1955 | Jaguar XK 140 DHC

This very special, matching numbers Jaguar XK140 DHC has incredible provenance and true extensive overseas touring pedigree having covered in the region of 25,000 miles on club events all over the UK and mainland Europe. Subject to a £60,000 complete body off restoration with Goldsmith and Young Ltd in 1993/1994, the car covered just a few hundred miles from 1994 to 2007 when it changed hands and its overseas touring adventures began. Due to declining health and a couple of years unused, the XK came to us from its long term owner in late 2021/early 2022 and was subject of almost £30,000 of re-commissioning work ahead of selling to the most recent London based owner.

From 2007 to arriving with us in 2021 the XK was owned by a Jaguar Enthusiasts Club founding member (1983) and Chairman of the South Wales Classic Car Club. Not only a Jaguar fanatic and the event's organiser for the region, the long term owner was also the Representative for the South and Mid Wales International Jaguar XK Club. On initial purchase in 2007 and prior to extensive overseas touring and events, the Jaguar was put through its paces, but the owner was not happy with the engine and had it completely rebuilt with Jaguar engine experts VSE. The 3.4 engine was removed, stripped and rebuilt, a new clutch fitted, and the car was then prepared for serious use. This XK140 then led hundreds of other enthusiasts and Jaguar owners across Europe for many years as the car annually toured the Continent. The car toured through Ireland, Belgium, Germany and France on many occasions, was regularly toured in the UK and was even invited to the XK 70th anniversary events in London and Goodwood.

The Jaguar had no real use from 2019 so when it arrived with us in 2021 we carried out extensive re-commissioning work. The XK140 had a fully re-conditioned steering rack, new track rod ends, brake overhaul to include new flexi hoses, re-lined rear brake shoes, new master cylinder and brake reservoir, a complete new exhaust system, new water pump and all new coolant hoses, brand new Blockley tyres, new fuel pump, rebuilt wiper motor, rebuilt rev counter, engine service and carburettors were stripped and rebuilt. At the request of the new owner, the XK was fitted with a tracker, seat belts and having been restored during the early 1990's, extensive paintwork was carried out to take the finish back to a very high standard after its years of serious overseas touring. There is no doubt this is an incredibly high-quality long-distance touring car but it's recent owner has found very little time to use the car so two years on we are delighted to welcome it back. Having covered 25,000 miles of touring, then having the extensive re-commissioning work the XK140 is in fabulous mechanical condition. The engine is beautiful with excellent oil pressure, the car handles and holds the road superbly and feels relaxed, comfortable and inspires ultimate confidence. The overseas touring mileage tells the story of this car, it's not your typical XK, this is a car of great significance in XK circles and a car that will be very difficult to replicate.

30 years on since the rebuild, due to the cosmetic preparation work in 2021/2022, the XK presents incredibly well with a stunning lovely British Racing Green paint finish. The body is lovely and straight, the hood excellent and the upholstery beautifully aged. Chrome wire wheels have been kept in excellent order, the engine bay and boot compartment lovely and clean and the chrome work and general brightwork is of a high standard. This is a wonderful example, its history, provenance and condition are equally impressive and we look forward to supplying it to its next owner.