1955 Jaguar XK140 Coupé
1955 Jaguar XK140 Coupé
Registration no. NWO 500 (see text)
Chassis no. S804083DN
Engine no. G3135-8
• One of only 843 right-hand drive XK140 fixed-head coupés
• Last used on the road circa 1970
• Offered from an important collection
• Engine recently recommissioned and running
Launched in 1954, the Jaguar XK140 was broadly similar to, though more refined than, its sensational XK120 predecessor, major engineering changes being confined to the repositioning of the engine 3" further forward and the adoption of rack-and-pinion steering as used on the racing C-Type. The suspension and brakes remained much as before, though with stiffer torsion bars at the front and telescopic shock absorbers replacing the previous lever type at the rear. AS before, three model types were offered: roadster, coupé and drophead coupé, the latter two offering usefully increased cabin space and occasional rear seats. Outwardly the newcomer was distinguishable by its revised radiator grille, rear lights incorporating flashing indicators, and larger bumpers.
The power unit remained Jaguar's well-tried, 3.4-litre, twin-cam six, which now produced 190bhp in standard trim. A close-ratio gearbox enabled better use to be made of the increased performance while Laycock-de Normanville overdrive became an option for the first time. Special Equipment (SE) XK140s came with wire wheels and Lucas fog lamps, and could be ordered with an engine developing 210bhp courtesy of the 'C'-type cylinder head. XK140 performance was well up to the standards set by its exemplary predecessor, contemporary magazine road-tests regularly recording top speed figures in excess of 120mph.
One of only 843 XK140 fixed-head coupés made in right-hand drive configuration, this original and unrestored example is a rare find indeed. Presented in its original colour scheme of Birch Grey with red leather interior, it is believed to have last been on the road around 1970 (the last MoT on file expired in 1971). The odometer reading is 26,610 miles, which may well be correct.
The XK sits well and the engine runs; however, for the last 50 years it has formed part of at least two important collections, seeing little or no use. As the car had been unused for some time, a minor service was carried out recently, which included new fluids, spark plugs, ignition points, etc. The engine now shows good oil pressure and is running well; nevertheless, more thorough recommissioning would be advised before further use.
The car comes with a small history file and the original buff logbook showing two keepers. Although not shown in the photographs, the rear wheel spats are with the car. It should be noted that the registration 'NWO 500' is not recorded in either the HPI or DVLA databases. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this car's registration status prior to bidding.
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1955 Jaguar XK140 Coupé
Registration no. NWO 500 (see text)
Chassis no. S804083DN
Engine no. G3135-8
• One of only 843 right-hand drive XK140 fixed-head coupés
• Last used on the road circa 1970
• Offered from an important collection
• Engine recently recommissioned and running
Launched in 1954, the Jaguar XK140 was broadly similar to, though more refined than, its sensational XK120 predecessor, major engineering changes being confined to the repositioning of the engine 3" further forward and the adoption of rack-and-pinion steering as used on the racing C-Type. The suspension and brakes remained much as before, though with stiffer torsion bars at the front and telescopic shock absorbers replacing the previous lever type at the rear. AS before, three model types were offered: roadster, coupé and drophead coupé, the latter two offering usefully increased cabin space and occasional rear seats. Outwardly the newcomer was distinguishable by its revised radiator grille, rear lights incorporating flashing indicators, and larger bumpers.
The power unit remained Jaguar's well-tried, 3.4-litre, twin-cam six, which now produced 190bhp in standard trim. A close-ratio gearbox enabled better use to be made of the increased performance while Laycock-de Normanville overdrive became an option for the first time. Special Equipment (SE) XK140s came with wire wheels and Lucas fog lamps, and could be ordered with an engine developing 210bhp courtesy of the 'C'-type cylinder head. XK140 performance was well up to the standards set by its exemplary predecessor, contemporary magazine road-tests regularly recording top speed figures in excess of 120mph.
One of only 843 XK140 fixed-head coupés made in right-hand drive configuration, this original and unrestored example is a rare find indeed. Presented in its original colour scheme of Birch Grey with red leather interior, it is believed to have last been on the road around 1970 (the last MoT on file expired in 1971). The odometer reading is 26,610 miles, which may well be correct.
The XK sits well and the engine runs; however, for the last 50 years it has formed part of at least two important collections, seeing little or no use. As the car had been unused for some time, a minor service was carried out recently, which included new fluids, spark plugs, ignition points, etc. The engine now shows good oil pressure and is running well; nevertheless, more thorough recommissioning would be advised before further use.
The car comes with a small history file and the original buff logbook showing two keepers. Although not shown in the photographs, the rear wheel spats are with the car. It should be noted that the registration 'NWO 500' is not recorded in either the HPI or DVLA databases. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this car's registration status prior to bidding.
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