1955 Jaguar XK140 SE Roadster

Lot details
Registration No: NSL 213
Chassis No: S811864
Mot Expiry: None

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 grill, 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).
Finished in Navy Blue with dark blue / grey leather upholstery, this particular right-hand drive example is described by the vendor as being in "superb" condition with regard to its 3442cc engine, five-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. Beginning life in late November 1955 as a left-hand drive 'Special Equipment' Roadster (complete with C-type cylinder head, wire wheels, dual exhaust system and twin fog lights), 'NSL 213' was originally supplied via renowned California dealer, Hornburgs of Sunset Boulevard. Returning to the UK from the temperate Sunshine State in 1998, its extensive restoration was entrusted to well known Cheshire XK enthusiast David Preston. The bodywork was sent to John Brown at Leaping Cats were it was thoroughly rebuilt (including a conversion to right-hand drive) before being given a bare metal re-spray. With the Roadster stripped to its component parts, the decision was taken to upgrade it to fast road specification. To this end, its engine (still the original unit complete with prized cylinder head) was dispatched to respected road and track specialists VSE Engines in mid Wales. Once there, the head was extensively polished and ported before being fitted with yet larger valves, race profile camshafts and special performance intake and exhaust manifolds (the former carrying a pair of 2" SU carburettors). The bottom end was upgraded too with a fully balanced crankshaft and high capacity oil pump. To capitalise on these new freer breathing, higher revving qualities, a twin spark distributor was installed along with a lightened flywheel and stronger clutch. Other desirable under bonnet modifications comprise a high torque starter motor and more efficient cooling system courtesy of the lightweight aluminium radiator and expansion tank. In order to better cope with (and exploit) this tuned engine's outputs it was mated to a new Getrag five-speed gearbox. The fitting of front disc brakes with four pot callipers was deemed essential, while the accompanying brake bias pedal box allows a good deal of adjustment for track use. Looking every inch the period racer, 'NSL 213' sports painted wire wheels, a brown leather bonnet strap, exposed aero screens and twin exhausts. Said to be an exhilarating car to drive (and a stunning one to look at), the Roadster has covered a mere 1,723 miles since being refurbished. With an estimated scratch build price in the region of £85,000, XK Jaguars rarely come better than this. Offered for sale with photographic restoration record, sundry invoices and heritage certificate, this magnificent XK140 is worthy of close inspection.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle does not have an MOT.