2021-01-12 14:21:31 | pauls writes:

Car offered at:

www.classicandsportscar.ltd.uk/jaguar-xk140-fhc/classic-cars-for-sale/50656

Seller's description:

1955 Jaguar XK140 FHC

£79,995

Here we have an incredibly special car, a UK supplied Jaguar XK140 that we personally inspected in South Wales before collecting the car from its owner of 34 years. RLU 824 has been in the hands of a prominent Cardiff based car collector with strong allegiances with both the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club and Mercedes Benz Club. The car has played a substantial role in its long-term owners social and family life and having completed a full complete nut and bolt body off restoration during earlier years of ownership, then having great satisfaction winning prizes in high profile events, the car has been cherished by its discerning owner, and we are delighted to be involved in finding a new home for this wonderful machine.

Going back to 1986, the XK140 was purchased in need of major work and a decision was made to completely strip the car down to the bare shell, then remove the body from the chassis. A superbly detailed photographic record accompanies the comprehensive history file. The car was totally rebuilt from the ground up, the sound chassis detailed and painted, the body taken to bare metal, completely rebuilt, and beautifully painted in Old English White. The engine and running gear were refitted to the chassis and the car then built up to a concours standard. The interior was completely re-trimmed to the highest of standards, the car completely re-wired, chrome work renewed, woodwork re-veneered and hours of detailing were spent to achieve the highest of standards.

After a three-year restoration, the XK140 was displayed at Cardiff Castle in the 1989 Benson & Hedges Concours and won the Best newcomer's trophy for its class. The XK then went onto the Benson & Hedges Concours International Finals event in Stratford Upon Avon and came second in its class, a true credit to its owner and restorer. The Jaguar then had well received publicity with several newspaper and magazines articles that are present in the car's history file. The car went onto win many prizes at other events to include ‘Car of the Show' at Gwent Classic Car Club show and first in class at Caldicot Castle. 34 years on since buying this Jaguar XK140, around 8000 reliable, enjoyable miles have been covered in the car and its now time for someone else to enjoy this special motor car.

The XK was originally distributed by Henlys, London, despatched on the 30th September 1955 and first registered on the 4th October 1955 as RLU 824 to its first owner at 5 Kensington High Street, West London. At some point during the 140's early life, the engine was replaced with a more powerful 3.8 litre engine unit and then uprated with disc brakes to handle the extra power and performance. RLU 824 left London for South Wales, spending several years in Newport before being purchased in 1984 by a friend of its long-term owner, requiring restoration. After four years and a stalled start to restoration, the XK140 was purchased by its Cardiff based owner and the story of the car from here is fabulous.

The impressive paperwork with the car includes restoration invoices from 1986 to 1989 with many parts coming from Coventry Auto Components. Woolies supplied wing piping and various interior trims and fittings and the bodyshell was restored by a local Cardiff bodywork specialist. West Country Coach Trimmers made up a wool headlining and carpet set and fully trimmed the interior with Connolly leather. Norman Motors in London supplied a new wiring loom and various seals and Ashwater Forge and Foundry in Devon supplied various brightwork and parts to include new mascot, door handles, boot handle and strip, Le Mans badge holder and push buttons for doors and boot. A local motor engineering firm carried out various mechanical work which was carried out to an extremely high standard.

Over 30 years on since completion of the rebuild its extremely hard to believe this is a such an older restoration. The car presents beautifully, and its condition today is true testament to the skill and work of its restorers. RLU 824 presents as a car perhaps restored ten years ago with a beautiful paint finish and a lovely, sharp body with gleaming chrome work, nice rubbers, glass, stunning wheels and superbly detailed chassis and high-quality engine bay compartment and spare wheel well containing its correct jack etc. Mechanically the XK is first class and has been maintained very well as expected with such a fastidious owner. More recently in 2015, the XK was treated to new brake hoses, new dynamo regulator and in 2017 more serious expenditure went into new uprated Zeus pistons assemblies, new calipers, TWR ground brake discs and new pads all supplied by Coventry Auto Components. The XK also had new hub bearings and seals, new master cylinder and axle shaft oil seal along with various service work. Most recently in 2019, the XK was fitted with a highly rated Powerlite starter motor and Lockheed type remote brake servo assembly for even further improved braking.

RLU 824 is an outstanding car and one with so many qualities. Of course, only 843 RHD XK140 FHC's were ever built making this a rare car, but having had a no expense spared rebuild receiving ‘concours' recognition makes the car that bit more special. Adding its subtle modifications such as the 3.8 litre Jaguar engine, Zeus brakes, the XK appears correct, but the upgrades come to life on the road making this Jaguar XK140 an amazing car to drive, quicker than it would have been leaving the factory with improved braking making this car a delight for regular use and long-distance touring. This is a special car, it drives superbly, has a fantastic, strong engine holding impressive oil pressure, lovely gearbox and priced very sensibly, we cannot emphasise enough what a brilliant car this is. This is a car for the discerning buyer, it will not disappoint and has been held in very high regard since its rebuild over 30 years ago.