Fantasy Junction

Description

1956 Jaguar 140 SE Drophead

VIN – A818883DN
Eng. No. – G7861-8
Body No. – P5346
Exterior Color – Pacific Blue
Interior Color – Blue Leather
Engine – 3.4L six-cylinder dual overhead cam in-line six
Transmission – 4-speed manual
Current Miles – 73,332 miles TMU
Current Owner – Purchased in 2014 with 72,270 miles

General Overview

Jaguar XK series cars are regarded as among the most drivable and enjoyable classic sports cars of the 1950’s. The first of the series, the XK120 offered an all-new twin-cam inline six-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 drophead is sought after, in part for their beautifully composed convertible top with roll up windows and easy open-air touring with performance to match. Features offered in the SE (Special Equipment) package included the uprated 190hp engine, wire wheels, heavier sway bars, dual exhaust, and Lucas driving lamps.

History of this Jaguar

According to a copy of the Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate (issued 2013 under prior ownership) this handsome left-hand-drive example was completed on September 10, 1956, finished in Battleship Grey with red interior and a black convertible top. The car was delivered to Germany on September 25th dispatched by R.M. Overseas, Frankfurt. Distinguished by the “A” in the chassis number and followed by DN, this car was prepared as a factory SE with overdrive. Purchased new by Ivan S. Ponteatine, information under prior ownership indicates Ponteatine was a US citizen stationed at Schloss-Kaseme in Butzbach, Germany. The car is believed to have remained in central Europe for the majority of its life, eventually surfacing in Switzerland in the early 1990s and subsequently arriving in the US where it was treated to a restoration commissioned under prior ownership.

The current owner purchased the car through DriverSource in 2015. At that time the car had been serviced in 2013 by DriverSource including an engine out service changing gaskets, hoses water pump, cooling system overhaul, new clutch, and carburetor rebuilds. Although the car was mechanically and cosmetically refined, shortly after purchase (2015), the current owner installed a new set of Pirelli tires, replaced the fuel tank and sending unit, and installed a new radiator with a thermostatically controlled electric fan and electric (boosted) water pump, revised and improved various electrical wiring, and installed a new voltage regulator. In 2018 a new grille was installed and in 2019 a comprehensive service was performed ($14,000) followed by the installation of an electronic distributor, service for the transmission and overdrive unit, and replacement of all seals ($12,000). By 2021 a further service and tune up was performed and in November 2023, with 73,312 miles indicated, a new battery was installed, oil and filter changed, brake fluid flushed, coolant flushed, carburetor fuel bowls cleaned and oiled, a new fuel sending unit installed, brake lights and wiper wiring improved for operation, and front wheel hearings adjusted.

Condition Overview

Today, this Jaguar XK140 SE makes a strong visual impression of both elegance and sporting refinement. The beautiful blue paintwork displays a consistent finish with no notable flaws, smooth surfaces, and high gloss. The matching convertible top is in excellent condition fitting properly to the windshield header and properly nesting at the rear of the car. The body panels are straight with excellent reflections, proper panel gaps, and smooth operation for all opening features. The exterior chrome remains in excellent condition with very good luster to the cast/plated parts and correct gasketing for features mounted to the body. The workmanship from the older restoration is of high quality and has been properly maintained over the years of recent and former ownership. The headlights and yellow lens fog lamps nicely accent the beautiful front facia, with all emblems, lettering, and trim befitting the elegant deep blue finish. The windshield chrome, side vent window chrome, and other decorative details are all exceptionally nice. In keeping with the SE designation, a beautifully finished set of chrome plated wire wheels with dual ear knockoffs are fitted wearing 185 VR16 Pirelli Cinturato radial tires.

The interior features beautifully appointed leather and burled walnut delivering an inviting and elegant presence to the sporting cockpit. Finished with matching blue leather, leather piping, and low pile matching blue carpet, the visual composition is lush and inspiring as both sporting performance and luxury are combined in this color combination. The seats are pleated and piped in the correct pattern, seat frames properly finished, and a set of contemporary seatbelts have been installed. Though largely usable as storage, the rear storage space behind the seats is trimmed in matching materials, all of which remain in excellent condition. The rich burled wood dashboard is very nicely finished with clear gloss varnish over carefully selected wood burl veneers accented by restored instruments and accessories with clean glass, excellent lettering, and correct numeric indication. A black Jaguar branded steering wheel completes the cockpit. The inner door panels and convertible top are also treated to accent wood trim matching the dashboard. The canvas top features a beautifully stitched felted headliner and a clear plastic rear window which folds down into the rear storage area when the top is lowered. The 4-speed shifter is surrounded by matching blue leather trim and a dash mounted knob allows for easy pull to engage the desirable overdrive system for more comfortable highway driving. The trunk is fully trimmed with consistent presentation including a correct trunk liner, fender spat removal tool, and a full-size wire wheel spare with matching Pirelli tire stowed beneath the trunk floor panel.

The engine compartment is very attractive and reflects high quality restoration which has mellowed over time. The correctly finished surfaces have been properly cared for and most hardware, fasteners, and details are correct for the period with some allowances for modern driving including a modern coil, electronic distributor, and an electric thermostatically controlled fan paired with an electric assist water pump to aid in engine cooling. The matching numbers engine block and head are properly finished though not overly polished or fussy to the point where one might be overly cautious about driving the car. The chassis stamp, body number, engine block number, and engine head number are correct and match the chassis plate mounted on this car. The undercarriage appears sound with no visual evidence of structural compromise and, although not detailed for show, still reflects extensive attention to detail performed during the restoration including correctly wrapped rear leaf springs with leather lacing and durable stainless steel dual exhaust and mufflers.

The car starts easily on choke and idles well as it warms to operating temperatures. The engine has been properly tuned with progressive acceleration leading up to highway speeds. Spirited driving benefits from the increased horsepower offered with the 190hp engine and dual exhaust. The elegant interior is roomier than earlier 120 models with more legroom for pedal actuation and a generally more comfortable seating position. The chassis and suspension have been properly sorted resulting in a car that handles well in a wide range of driving conditions. The brakes operate smoothly in keeping with expectations of the era the gearbox shifts easily, adding to the overall driving experience and pleasure one might expect in both casual city trips and at lower rpm touring with overdrive engaged for highway tours.

Beautifully finished and ready for shows, events, or local Jaguar club gatherings, this XK140 SE Drophead is accompanied by a car cover, a spare grille, a set of tools in a tool roll, an operating manual and chassis diagram, a knock off hammer, spanners, grease gun, twin jacks, an original distributor and spare cap, and other misc. spare parts.

This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a handsome, genuine, matching numbers XK140 SE Drophead with enjoyable driving manners and refined cosmetics. Lovingly enjoyed with recent dedicated mechanical attention, this Jaguar XK140 Drophead is ready to deliver all pleasures of vintage British open-air motoring for many enjoyable years to come.

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