2018-04-05 10:59:35 | pauls writes:

There is an article on the car's recent re-discovery at:
www.autowereld.be/autonieuws/nostalgie/fotos--zeldzame-jaguar-bij-schuurvondst-i ...

Article text:
Rare Jaguar at barn find in Ghent
Written by Johan Dillen on 29-03-2018
When the experts at auction house Bonhams researched a Ghent warehouse, they stumbled upon a number of classic gems. Including the Jaguar XK140 which was still owned by Brigitte Bardot.
Publicity

The barn finds are also possible with us. The removal of a warehouse in Ghent has resulted in some gems. The experts at the auction house Bonhams found a Corvette, a Citroën CX, a Ferrari 308 GT4, a Beetle and a Tatra 603, though it is mainly to do for the rare Jaguar that would still have been owned by Brigitte Bardot. You know, the French counterpart of Marilyn Monroe who, after her career as a singer, actress and fashion model, would turn into an animal rights activist.

"It's a Jaguar XK140 that has been owned by the Belgian owner since 2009," says Gregory Tuytens of auction house Bonhams. "But only the Belgian papers are still there, we do not have any documents from the previous history." According to the Bonhams expert, there are strong indications that this car was still owned by Brigitte Bardot.

After she had an accident with the originally delivered XK140, she would have brought the car to the Italian bodybuilder Michelotti, who provided him with this separate body. For example, only a few copies would exist. "We are still looking for people who know the history of this car. The owner was busy with the restoration, everything is there to restore him in perfect condition. "

2018-04-06 14:50:42 | pauls writes:

Bardot ownership is not proven or likely based on her previous manager's comment that Bridgitte never owned a Jaguar. Any proven history about this car gratefully received.

2018-05-14 19:37:46 | pauls writes:

Car was at auction 5/18
www.bonhams.com/auctions/24953/lot/132/

Auction description:
Lot 132
1955 Jaguar XK140 SE Michelotti Coupé
Sold for € 356,500 (US$ 427,372) inc. premium
The Monaco Sale 'Les Grandes Marques à Monaco'
11 May 2018, 18:00 CEST
Monaco, Villa La Vigie
1955 Jaguar XK140 SE Michelotti Coupé
Coachwork by Michelotti
Chassis no. S814286
Engine no. E1016-8 (see text)

•Delivered new to France
•Unique Michelotti aluminium coachwork
•Bearing C-Type engine number
•Previously owned by French Jaguar Drivers Club President, Roland Urban
•Offered in need of restoration

Chassis number 'S814286' was built on 25th May 1955 as a left-hand drive XK140 SE Coupé with normal factory coachwork. The Jaguar was delivered new in France via the French distributor, Charles Delecroix, to its first lady owner, Mme Jeanne Gaymard in Paris. It is the 286th left-hand drive coupé built, with body number 'J4457'. The original colour scheme was cream with two-tone blue interior.

In 1957 the car had an accident that damaged much of the body. As the original body was beyond repair, the XK came under the eye of the famous Italian coachbuilder, Giovanni Michelotti, to be re-bodied to one of his bespoke designs. Michelotti is said to have designed three bodies for XK140s around this time; all three are different, making this car unique. Its high waistline and fastback styling would have been considered avant garde for the 1950s. In the course of the rebuild, the interior, instruments, and other details were all changed to Michelotti's custom design.

With the help of respected experts Sebastian Hoffman (FSP) and Bernard Viart (XK140 specialist) Bonhams has been able to trace this car's history. In 1979, Bernard Viart had inspected this unique Jaguar in front of Stephen Langton's house in Kent (b/w photographs are on file) for Roland Urban, French Jaguar Drivers Club President and a collector with a particular interest in one-off Jaguars. During his inspection, he noticed that the engine had many C-Type characteristics, unusual, to say the least, for an XK140.

Roland Urban bought the XK140 and registered it in Haute Vienne, France (Department 87).
It also was reported to have been owned by famous French actress, Brigitte Bardot, appearing as such in many publications, though there is no evidence for this. The car later found its way to Belgium. We note that the bumpers at that time had been removed (though still with the car) and two small Marchal spotlights had been fitted in the front grille.

In 1999, the XK140 was bought in Brussels by the late owner, Mr Schepens, a Ghent-based coachbuilder (the magazine showing the Jaguar at the Brussels fair with the caption 'This car was the property of Brigitte Bardot' is on file). Mr Schepens was a Jaguar enthusiast who had owned an E-Type Series I Roadster and Series I Coupé at the same time in the 1970s. The Michelotti was his pride and joy.

Schepens registered the car and drove it for some years, and in the mid-2000s decided to undertake a full restoration, which by then had become a necessity. Sadly, Mr. Schepens passed away in 2016 at the age of 80, leaving the XK unfinished in its garage together with 10 other cars that have been there for many years.

When researching this very special Jaguar, it was discovered that 'S814286' not only incorporated some rare competition components but also that the engine block bears the number 'E-1016-8'. This engine number corresponds to a Jaguar C-Type, that was at one time installed in chassis number 'XKC016'!

It is probable that the accident that destroyed the original body also damaged the original engine, which needed replacing. It is possible, as C-Type 'XKC016' was retired from racing in the same period, its engine was removed and installed into the newly rebuilt 'S814286'. So, it would seem that the engine and gearbox have been in this car for most of its life - presumably from 1957 onwards.

Just like Brigitte Bardot, who was famously involved with many animal welfare organisations, Mr Schepens was very much an animal lover. Childless, he decided that his cars would be donated after his death to the Animal Rescue Centre Ghent, which is now selling this XK140 and will use the sale proceeds to continue the construction of their new centre. The other cars of the Schepens collection will be sold at Bonhams' Beaulieu Sale in September.

This unique Jaguar is believed 100% complete including its already re-upholstered seats, original badges, gauges, windows, front grille, etc. but in need of further restoration.
The XK140 Michelotti is offered with a classic car magazine dating from 1999 depicting the car in Brussels where the late owner bought it; extracts from the book 'Les Metamorphoses du Jaguar' by Roland Urban; some period photographs dating from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s; and Belgian registration documents.

Bonhams would like to express its grateful thanks to Sebastian Hoffmann, Bernard Viart, and Johan Dillen (Autogids, Autowereld) for their help with the research of this amazing discovery.

2019-03-13 20:49:34 | terry McGrath writes:

the chassis number stamping is in fact not the original stamping and stupid me in the 2-3 minutes I did eventually get access to engine bay of this car didn't photograph this.

It even looks like its stamped over another number?

2019-03-14 13:48:32 | Lofty writes:

Original engine, gearbox and body numbers entered as listed on original sales receipt shown on Bonhams website.

2023-01-26 09:42:42 | pauls writes:

The car returns to auction 2/23

www.bonhams.com/auction/27987/lot/601/1955-jaguar-xk140-special-equipment-coupe- ...

Auction description:

C-Type Engine

1955 Jaguar XK140 Special Equipment Coupé Project

Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris

2 February 2023, 13:00 CET

Paris, The Grand Palais Éphémère

€400,000 - €600,000

Coachwork by Giovanni Michelotti

Chassis no. S814286

Engine no. E1016-8

• Delivered new to France

• Unique Michelotti aluminium coachwork and believed one of his first designs

• Ultra-rare C-Type engine, originally fitted to chassis 'XKC016'

• Previously owned by French Jaguar Drivers' Club President, Roland Urban

Chassis number 'S814286' was built on 25th May 1955 as a left-hand drive XK140 SE Coupé with normal factory coachwork. The Jaguar was delivered new in France via the French distributor, Charles Delecroix, to its first lady owner, Mme Jeanne Gaymard in Paris. It is the 286th left-hand drive coupé built, with body number 'J4457'. The original colour scheme was cream with two-tone blue interior.

In 1957 the car had an accident that damaged much of the body. As the original body was beyond repair, the XK was sent to the famous Italian coachbuilder, Giovanni Michelotti, to be re-bodied with one of his bespoke designs. Michelotti is said to have designed three bodies for XK140s around this time; all three are different, making this car unique. Its high waistline and fastback styling would have been considered avant garde for the 1950s. It is believed to be one of the first designs from Michelotti (before he opened his workshop) and in the course of the rebuild, the interior, instruments, and other details were all changed to Michelotti's custom design.

With the help of respected experts Sebastian Hoffman (FSP), Bernard Viart (XK140 specialist) and Jaguar Land Rover Classic, Bonhams has been able to trace this car's history. In 1979, Bernard Viart had inspected this unique Jaguar in front of Stephen Langton's house in Kent (b/w photographs are on file) for Roland Urban, French Jaguar Drivers' Club President and a collector with a particular interest in one-off Jaguars. During his inspection, he noticed that the engine had many C-Type characteristics, unusual, to say the least, for an XK140. It has since been confirmed by Jaguar Land Rover Classic that it is indeed the original C-Type engine, from chassis number 'XKC016' (see below).

Roland Urban bought the XK140 and registered it in Haute Vienne, France (Department 87). The car later found its way to Belgium. We note that the bumpers at that time had been removed (though still with the car) and two small Marchal spotlights had been fitted in the front grille.

In 1999, the XK140 was purchased in Brussels by Mr Schepens, a Ghent-based coachbuilder. Mr Schepens was a Jaguar enthusiast who had owned an E-Type Series 1 Roadster and Series 1 Coupé at the same time in the 1970s. This XK140 Michelotti was his pride and joy. Schepens registered the car and drove it for some years, and in the mid-2000s decided to undertake a full restoration, which by then had become a necessity. Sadly, Mr Schepens passed away in 2016 at the age of 80, leaving the XK unfinished in his garage together with 10 other cars that had been there for many years.

When researching this very special Jaguar, it was discovered that 'S814286' not only incorporated some rare competition components but also that the engine block is numbered 'E-1016-8'. It is probable that the accident that destroyed the original body also damaged the original engine, which needed replacing. It is likely, as C-Type 'XKC016' was retired from racing in the same period, its engine was removed and installed into the newly rebuilt 'S814286'. So, it would seem that the engine and gearbox have been in this car for most of its life - presumably from the late 1950s onwards.

Mr Schepens was very much an animal lover. Childless, he decided that his cars would be donated after his death to the Animal Rescue Centre Ghent, which offered his XK140 for sale at Bonhams' Monaco auction in 2018 in order to raise funds to continue the construction of their new centre. The purchaser was none other than Jaguar Land Rover's Classic Division, who have since done thorough research and work to the XK. JLR assembled the car with attention to the finest detail without restoring it. Meanwhile the XK140 Michelotti has been invited and exhibited during the Festival of Speed event in Goodwood.

Offered for sale by Jaguar Land Rover Classic, this unique Jaguar with its remarkable history is incredibly complete including its already re-upholstered seats, original badges, windows, etc but in need of further restoration.

The XK140 Michelotti is offered with a classic car magazine dating from 1999 depicting the car in Brussels where Mr Schepens bought it; extracts from the book Les Metamorphoses du Jaguar by Roland Urban; some period photographs dating from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s; and Belgian registration documents.

2024-05-28 10:13:40 | pauls writes:

The car returns to auction 6/24

rmsothebys.com/auctions/ch24/lots/r0053-1955-jaguar-xk-140-se-coupe-by-michelott ...

Auction description:

Chassis No. S 814286

Engine No. G 6245-8S

Cylinder Head No. KF8518-8

Taplow, Berkshire, United Kingdom

£300,000 - £350,000

One-of-a-kind Jaguar XK 140 SE Coupé with unique coachwork by Giovanni Michelotti, one of the most prolific automotive designers of his time

Supplied new through Charles Delecroix of Paris; later damaged in an accident and rebodied in its current style

A rare example of a Jaguar chassis wearing Italian coachwork; aluminium body is recognisable with its fastback coupé shape with other details such as bonnet scoop and dual headlights

Formerly owned by Roland Urban, President of the French Jaguar Drivers’ Club

Now fitted with a correct-type XK 140 engine block

Accompanied by a certificate issued by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust (JDHT)

A fascinating opportunity to revive a significant car

It is thought that Giovanni Michelotti crafted bodies for only three Jaguar XK 140s—with the car offered here noted as the only example of its style.Curiously, the Jaguar began life in standard XK 140 form; marked as completed on 25 May 1955 and leaving the factory one month later. Its original configuration was as a left-hand-drive Fixed Head Coupé in SE (Special Equipment) trim for the French market, finished in Cream over a Duo-Blue interior. The Jaguar was taken to Paris by Charles Delecroix’s import business and delivered to its first owner, a lady named Mademoiselle Jeanne Gaymard. The car had been enjoyed for two years before it was involved in an accident in 1957, at which point it is thought that the body and original engine were destroyed.

At this point, chassis S 814286 was presented to Michelotti. The designer capitalised on an opportunity to deploy his ideas for the XK 140 and sculpted the car into the unique form it shows today. Introducing an aluminium body finished in a fastback coupé style, Michelotti’s car was a marked departure from Jaguar’s original plans—bearing a slight resemblance to the designer’s other interpretation of the XK 140, fulfilled by Ghia—while representing a relatively forward-thinking shape for its time.

The front of the car is distinguishable with its bonnet scoop, double-headlight set-up, and oval grille, while its svelte fastback shape is complemented by a high waistline with chrome-lined side vents and the side-profile is completed by a pop-out rear window adjoining the driver’s door. Michelotti’s custom design extended inside the Jaguar, with the interior and dashboard instruments also changed—with much of the switchgear taken from Lancia designs.

While the earliest part of this car’s life with its new Michelotti-styled body is unknown, it is understood that the XK 140 SE was rediscovered in 1979 when it was acquired by Roland Urban, President of the Jaguar Drivers’ Club in France and collector of unique Jaguar models. At this point, the car is noted to have been fitted with a C-Type engine block, though this has since been removed. The Jaguar is currently equipped with a correct-type block (installed by CKL Developments between October 2023 and April 2024—invoices available to view on file).

Chassis S 814286 was later taken to Belgium, and in 1999 the XK 140 was acquired by one Mr Schepens of Ghent. A coachbuilder and Jaguar enthusiast, its Belgian owner is said to have treasured the car and used it regularly. After electing to restore the car, Mr Schepens sadly passed away in 2016 with the Jaguar in an unfinished state. After remaining in its late owner’s garage for two years with his other cars, the Jaguar was sold at auction as a project in 2018. The car was purchased by Jaguar Classic, the marque’s own heritage department, who reassembled the XK 140 with many period-correct parts but without beginning any restoration work, while the consigning owner has gone to great lengths to ensure that many period fittings and instruments are with the car, if not fitted. Also in 2018, the car appeared as part of the Cartier Style et Luxe display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The Jaguar presents today in a still-unfinished state and would be an ideal opportunity for a dedicated marque enthusiast to return the car to its former glory. It is accompanied by a certificate issued by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust. A significant Jaguar, this one-of-one XK 140 SE deserves to be restored to concours condition and will hopefully be seen again in its former glory at prestigious events such as Villa d’Este or Pebble Beach.