Lot details Registration No: 90 BPF Chassis No: 807243 Mot Expiry: March 2012
ENTERED FROM THE ERIC JACKSON COLLECTION
Launched at the 1954 Motor Show, the XK140 boasted the same bewitching styling as its forebear but allied it to a host of important mechanical improvements. Chief among these was the adoption of rack and pinion steering. Though, the fitment of telescopic shock absorbers (in place of the XK120's antiquated lever arm dampers) also had a noticeably beneficial effect on handling / roadholding. With its engine and bulkhead repositioned three inches further forward, the new model enjoyed a notably roomier cabin (the fixed and drophead coupe variants gaining occasional rear seats as a result). Available in 'standard', 'special equipment' or 'special equipment plus C-type cylinder head' guises, power and torque outputs ranged from 190bhp / 210lbft to 210bhp / 213lbft. Distinguished by its one-piece bumpers and simpler, more imposing radiator grille, the XK140 was among the fastest cars of its generation. Reputedly capable of over 130mph, it focused public consciousness on Jaguar's continued success at Le Mans (the Coventry marque winning the endurance classic in 1951, 1953, 1955, 1956 and 1957).
One of just 480 XK140 Drophead Coupes built to right-hand drive specification, this particular example - chassis number 870243 - was first registered on 10th August 1956. Although, its early history is unclear an accompanying continuation green logbook reveals that the Jaguar had passed to Andrew Ball of Greenfield, Oldham by May 1977. Belonging to Ray Fournier of Newcastle, Staffordshire a dozen or so years later, the 2+2-seater was given an extensive restoration by Marina Garage with help from Chris Shenton Engineering. Encompassing an engine overhaul, respray in Imperial Maroon two-pack, rewiring, brake system / suspension refurbishment and sundry rechroming etc, the rejuvenation is thought to have been carried out circa 1989-1991 (however, the relevant handwritten invoices on file are undated). Entrusted to Jackson's Coachtrimmers of Winsford, Cheshire in 1991, the Drophead Coupe had its upholstery renewed in beige leather and a black mohair hood fitted.
Fettled by marque specialist Don Law on behalf of Jeremy Wade during 1993, the XK140's next owner was Stourbridge resident Kevin Williams. As well as driving '90 BPF' on the 1994 Jaguar Tour of Switzerland, Mr Williams had Phil Kennedy of Renaissance Classic Car Co (Staffs) upgrade it with a Harvey Bailey performance handling kit, electric cooling fan, Koni adjustable shock absorbers and replacement four-speed manual plus overdrive transmission. The latter was installed in 1997 and necessitated a speedometer recalibration during which the odometer was zeroed. Acquired by noted collector Roy Hatfield in November 2001, chassis 870243 participated in a tour of South Africa the following year. Treated to five new 72-spoke wire wheels and sundry improvements during Mr Hatfield's stewardship, the Drophead Coupe has formed part of Eric Jackson's collection since February 2003.
Benefiting from a disc brake conversion not to mention the fitting of a polybush suspension kit and new wheel bearings at the hands of HRG (Sandbach) Ltd in August 2004, more recent work has seen the 2+2-seater gain new carpets and have its Halda Twinmaster examined. A rare 'home market' XK140 Drophead Coupe, '90 BPF' last changed hands for £52,000 over eight years ago but is now being offered for sale entirely without reserve.
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