Fantasy Junction

Description

1955 Jaguar XK140 Roadster
s/n S810353, engine no. G1526 – 8S
White with Red Leather

Jaguar XK series cars are regarded as among the most drivable and enjoyable classic sports cars of the 1950’s. Despite the passage of time and increased technology, the innovative, beautiful, and capable performance and handling offered when new still resonates with collectors today. The Jaguar XK not only set high standards in racing, they launched Jaguar into volume manufacturing and worldwide distribution, making them the powerful brand they are today.

The first of the series, the XK120 offered an all-new twin-cam inline-6 cylinder engine, delivering 120 mph performance at a surprisingly affordable price. By 1955, the XK140 arrived, offering notable improvements including more legroom, increased horsepower, rack and pinion steering, telescoping shock absorbers, and improved brakes. Coupe, drophead coupe, and roadster versions were available with a range of performance options. Today, the roadster is the most sought after, in part for their beautifully composed body design featuring uncluttered, race-inspired appearance, open air touring, and performance to match.

This particular XK140 is a matching numbers Roadster with both the head and engine block numbers stamped from the factory. Beautifully finished in white with red leather interior, optioned with a C-Type cylinder head, and configured in left hand drive, this roadster has been lovingly cared for and enjoyably used by the same California owner for the past 20 years. Purchased in 2000, the owner and his wife participated in the following rallies:

2000 - Colorado Grand, Car # 67

2001 - Colorado Grand, Car # 67 again

2002 - California Mille, Car # 31

2004 - Mille Autunno

2008 - California Mille, Car # 35

2011 - California Mille, Car # 24

During their time participating in the Colorado Grand, the couple also drove from Estes Park to Grand Lake, crossing two passes at 12,000 ft elevations. With snow piled high along the roadside, the adventurous couple and their dutiful XK140 comfortably drove on with the top down, engine purring, and the heater running smoothly, arriving at their destination with great stories to share with friends. In 2019 the couple also toured with the car throughout Yellowstone National Park enjoying mountain drives at their leisure.

Records accompanying the car (most of which were consistently performed by Antique Auto Restorations, Seaside, CA) dating back to June 2000 include new rear leaf springs, side curtain fitting, new upholstery, tachometer repair, compression check, and seat belts. In August 2000 the car was extensively serviced by AAR with 67,378 miles recorded. Service included rear axle repair and new bearings, new tires, wheel balancing, and the installation of the new interior, followed by a September invoice replacing the lower timing chain and tensioner, front seal, and carburetor adjustments. In October 2001, an NOS speedometer was installed, replacing the former one which read approximately 68,000 miles. The car was generally inspected prior to the Colorado Grand and returned from the event with no issues.

In late 2001 and into 2002, the fenders were removed and refinished including repair work to the sill assembly and cowl reinforcement. Fender beading was replaced as needed, and the hood was realigned. In January 2003, through March 2003, with hopes of participating in the international Jordan Rallye, the engine was removed and readied for rebuild. At this time, the odometer reading noted on the invoice was 5,021 miles. The manifolds were Jet Hot treated, the generator, starter and radiator were rebuilt, and the clutch shaft and linkage were repaired. During the rebuild, new intake and exhaust valves, new J.E. pistons, crank Damper, wrist pins, rings, valve springs, bearings, and chain tensioner set were purchased for installation. The flywheel was surfaced, cylinder walls bored, and appropriate hardware purchased to complete the rebuild to correct standards. In May, the restoration of the mechanical components continued with a rebuilt transmission, new clutch, carburetor rebuild, various aluminum polishing, and finishing for the engine compartment. By May 2003 work progressed with electrical sorting, additional cosmetic improvements to the engine compartment and floor, as well as final testing for brakes and clutch adjustments. Over $20,000.00 was spent during this period.

Throughout 2004 and 2005 the car was regularly serviced with oil changes, adjustments, and tune ups as needed. In February and through May 2005, the floors, rocker panels, battery box mounts, and footwells, various braces, latch pillar assembly, and fender support areas were removed and repaired, epoxy primed and readied for paint. During this time, the windshield frame and grill were rechromed along with several other parts removed during the refinishing, a new wiring harness, new carpet set, and Dynamat were installed, and the firewall and inner fenders were stripped and primed for paint. Cosmetic and metal work now completed, the total invoiced exceeded $15,000.00. In 2008, new axle seals, rear shocks, U-joints, flex fan, and a new fuel pump was installed along with new plugs and a Pertronix distributor. Later that year, the transmission was serviced replacing the big bearings, and 1st motion shaft.

In 2016 the car was given a major service, draining fluids, flushing the brakes, four new axle seals, a new clutch cross shaft, and ball joints replaced as needed, followed by a 2018 brake service installing a new master cylinder, checking all wheel cylinders, replacing a pan gasket, and wheel bearings. In February 2020 the car was inspected, checked for leaks and general condition and the carburetors serviced as needed.

Today, this Jaguar XK140 makes a strong driver impression cosmetically, with glossy paint, suitable for local shows or ideal for road rally event enjoyment. The paintwork displays a consistent finish with no major flaws, but showing areas of use, general age, some minor chips and scuffs from enjoyable use. The white finish contrasts handsomely with chrome plated wire wheels and chrome knock offs, which are in excellent condition. The body is straight and sound showing very good gaps and smooth panel operation. The exterior chrome is in very nice condition and properly fit, with excellent luster and tone, much of which has been properly refinished. The headlights and fog lamps nicely accent the beautiful front end, with all emblems, lettering, and trim in excellent condition, good rubber gasketing, and minor age to the fender mounted side mirrors. The windshield is very nice with no notable scratches or chips and the various trim and rubber are consistently good. In all, the exterior presentation is very cohesive and well balanced, a tribute to the ongoing care, attention to detail, and care given over the past two decades.

The interior offers a satisfying and authentic finish to the red leather surfaces, and trim, delivering an inviting and comfortable impression in the gently settled seats. The carpet, having been more recently replaced, is in very good condition, while the door trim and perimeter cowl material remains very nice. The dashboard is very nicely finished, featuring correctly restored original instruments and accessories. The carpeting, side panels, and added seatbelts are properly presented. The black canvas top is in excellent condition and fits properly to the delicate chrome trimmed windscreen, featuring a clear plastic rear window.

The engine compartment is properly prepared and attractive using generally correct fasteners, proper hoses, and fittings per factory specifications, with some allowances for modern materials and hardware. The matching numbers engine block and head benefit from recent service and proper detailing, as well as the engine rebuild, performed approximately 15,000 miles ago, based on the current miles shown on the odometer. The finishes on the engine are correctly applied and nicely detailed, though not overly polished or fussy to the point where one might refrain from using the car. The trunk is fully trimmed in red carpeting with a generally good presentation though showing some signs of age. The trunk houses a white painted wire wheel spare, a grease gun, a bag of helpful roadside spares, and a fire extinguisher. The undercarriage appears sound with no visual evidence of structural compromise, with evidence of some of the metal work professionally performed over the past decade.

The car runs and drives very well. The engine has been recently tuned and as such, once warmed, the car purrs smoothly and revs responsively with a hint of performance in the exhaust note. The red interior is roomier than earlier 120 models with more legroom for shifting, a generally more comfortable seating position, and welcomed arm room from the steering wheel to the seatback. The chassis and suspension are nicely balanced resulting in a car that handles well in a wide range of driving conditions. The brakes operate smoothly in keeping with the times and the gearbox shifts easily, adding to the overall driving experience and pleasure one might expect when casually touring, or embarking on more lengthy highway drives. This Jaguar comes with detailed receipts spanning two decades of current ownership, outlining the major and general services performed, an original owner’s manual, a copy of the Jaguar Supplement Service Manual, side curtains trimmed in matching canvas black, and a wiring diagram.

This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a handsome, genuine, matching numbers XK140 roadster with capable driving manners and attractive cosmetics. Lovingly enjoyed with major documented mechanical restoration work, and carefully serviced for two decades, this Jaguar XK140 roadster awaits a new owner, ready to deliver just as it has for the current owners throughout their enjoyable touring experiences.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608