Fantasy Junction

Description

1957 Jaguar XK140 Roadster
s/n A81515DN, engine no. G 8128-8
Red with Black Leather Interior

Jaguar XK series cars are among the most iconic sports cars of the 1950s. Innovative, beautiful, and offering capable performance and handling, these cars not only set a high standard in racing, they helped launch Jaguar into volume manufacturer with global clout. The first of the series, the XK120 stunned the austere early postwar British (and non-British) motoring world in 1948 by offering stunning styling, an all-new twin-cam inline-6 cylinder engine, and 120 mph performance at a surprisingly affordable price. By 1955, the XK120 became the XK140, 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 most sought after are the roadster, thanks to their focused ethos and uncluttered, race-inspired appearance.

This particular XK140 is a matching numbers roadster with both the head and engine block numbers stamped from the factory and remaining with the car today. Beautifully restored in its original configuration of left hand drive with red paintwork and black leather interior, this car comes with detailed restoration records and receipts documenting the extensive body, paint, mechanical, and interior work performed. Full Circle Restorations of Lockford, CA began the restoration in 2010 by carefully disassembling the car, utilizing a rotisserie for comprehensive media blasting and finish work. During this time the trunk floor and trunk side panels removed and replaced using correct welding braces and brackets. A new tail pan was fit to the car and all body panels were removed, straightened as needed and reinstalled. Hinges were removed and properly drilled for new pins, threads were chased in the doors, and all parts aligned for accurate fit. Invoices for this period further detail these and dozens of additional entries cataloging the care and finish performed during the restoration. Every portion of the car was inspected and correctly restored as needed.

With the body shell ready for paint, it was primed with epoxy primer, blocked, and primed again before final base and clear coat were applied. In addition to the exterior body, the firewall, underside surfaces, and door jambs were all equally treated to final sanding and polishing. The frame was media blasted and all chassis components were painted gloss black. At this time, numerous quality parts were purchased from specialist supplier XKs Unlimited including main and rod bearing sets, a new drive gear, clutch kit, Gaz shocks, new ball joints, water pump, brake and fuel lines, rubber grommets, gaskets, welting, and hoses, to name but a few of the numerous parts all purchased for the restoration of this car.

In 2012, Clarks Auto and Marine in Burlingame, CA performed extensive machine work to the original head and block totaling over $6,500. SNG Barratt further supplied additional materials, correct fasteners, and various electrical components to complete the restoration. By 2013, chrome plating was being completed and other cosmetic details were addressed as the car was approaching completion. By 2014, all instruments were restored (totaling $1,300.00) and several other details tended to over the course of the next two years. In 2017, the interior was completed using a combination of leather and high quality vinyl materials (for the door panels, for example), as the car would have originally been finished.

In April 2018, Jaguar expert Jim Groom removed the engine and gearbox in order to rebuild the overdrive unit, replacing the planetary drum, clutch cone, and bearing, which totaled $3,800.00. In all, receipts totaling over $130,000.00 account for years of dedicated time and effort to bringing this XK 140 Roadster to completion.

Today, this Jaguar XK140 makes a strong impression with fresh cosmetics and gleaming paint certainly suitable for shows or event enjoyment. The paintwork displays a consistent finish with no major flaws, exhibiting high gloss throughout. The bright red finish contrasts handsomely with properly painted wire wheels accented by chrome knock offs. The body is straight and sound showing very good gaps and smooth panel operation throughout all opening surfaces. The exterior chrome is in very nice condition and properly fitted, with excellent luster and no appreciable aging. The headlights and fog lamps nicely accent the beautiful front end, with all emblems, lettering, and trim in excellent condition. The windshield is very nice with no notable scratches or chips and the various new trim and rubber are all in exceptional condition throughout. In all, the exterior presentation is very cohesive and well-balanced, a tribute to the restoration, attention to detail, and care given over the past decade.

The interior is handsome and beautifully finished, with a satisfying and authentic finish to the black leather surfaces, and trim. Carpets and door trim all appear in excellent condition with virtually no use since the new interior was installed a year ago. The dashboard is stunning, featuring correctly restored original instruments and accessories. The carpeting, side panels, and added seatbelts are all completed with care and properly presented. The black canvas top fits nicely to the delicate chrome trimmed windscreen and the rear panel also fits snugly to the body. With the roof in position the interior has a cozy British charm accented by the purposeful instruments and commanding steering wheel.

The engine compartment is properly prepared and attractive using correct fasteners, proper hoses, and fittings per factory specifications. The matching numbers engine block and head benefit from recent service and proper detailing. The finishes on the engine are correctly applied and nicely detailed, though not overly polished. The trunk is fully trimmed in correct matching black upholstery with a very nice presentation including a full wire wheel spare housed under a newly constructed and properly finished wood floor panel, housing a correct jack, and tools, correctly fit to the underside of the trunk floor. The undercarriage is impressive, appearing nearly unused since the restoration.

The car runs and drives very well. The engine has been properly tuned, starting easily and displaying good carburetion. The elegant interior is roomier than earlier 120 models with more legroom for shifting 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 how they were when new and the gearbox and overdrive operate properly, adding to the overall driving experience and pleasure one might expect in both casual touring or highway driving. This Jaguar comes with detailed notes and multiple restoration receipts spanning over a decade, as well as recent mechanical service records.

This is a great opportunity to acquire a nicely restored matching numbers XK140 OTS with crisp cosmetics and good driving manners. Lovingly restored in its original color combination, this car comes with its Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate and is suitable for someone seeking a high end driver or a casual show car.

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