9th Apr, 2025 12:00

Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire

 
Lot 75
 

1956 Jaguar XK140 Drophead Coupe

Estimated at £65,000 - £75,000

Lot details

Registration No: Unregistered
Chassis No: 818769
MOT: Exempt

  • Subject to an extensive, ground up restoration that was completed four years ago
  • Offered with JDHT certificate
  • Sympathetically uprated with improved cooling and braking systems
  • HMRC duty paid and NOVA letter present

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. 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).

Completed on July 18th 1956 to left-hand drive specification for the American market, chassis 818769 emerged from an extensive, ‘ground up’ restoration four years ago. Removed from the chassis, the body was thoroughly shot blasted, repaired as necessary and repainted. The 3.4 litre XK DOHC engine was overhauled and fitted with new exhaust manifolds and a stainless steel system. A new manual gearbox and clutch were obtained as part of the project. The fuel system gained a new pump, tank and lines. The cooling system was uprated with an aluminium radiator, electric fan and new hoses. The braking system was upgraded with front discs and the rear drums were refurbished. The head, tail, side and indicator lights were replaced. New shock absorbers and ball joints were added to the rejuvenated suspension and steering respectively. The wooden dashboard was remade, the gauges serviced and new seat frames installed. Trimmed in Red with a Black mohair hood, the Drophead Coupe also benefited from new front and rear bumpers not to mention replacement wire wheels shod with fresh tyres. Still highly presentable and seemingly ideal for Continental touring, this handsome Jaguar is worthy of close inspection. Offered for sale with JDHT Certificate, HMRC duty paid / NOVA letter and history file.

For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760

 

Auction: Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire, 9th Apr, 2025

An auction of classic, collector and performance motorcars to be held at the iconic and visually stunning Imperial War Museum, Duxford. Venue Details 

To enquire about entering your classic or performance car into the auction please call our sales office on 01925 210035, email sales@HandH.co.uk or click here: Enter Your Classic Motorcar 

All our professional valuations are complimentary and without obligation.

To take part in the live online bidding please click 'Register to Bid | Sign In' at the top of the page, alternatively, bidding can take place via our auction partners at Saleroom.com Saleroom.com

 

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Wed 9th April from 9am

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All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.

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