2015-09-23 15:33:31 | Max writes:

The best restoration never seen!

2018-03-17 18:29:20 | pauls writes:

Car now offered at:
www.houtkamp.nl/0-expected-soon-1955-jaguar-xk-140-drophead-coupe-se-with-overdr ...

Sellers description:
Year of build 1955
Price € 215.000,-

If not sold before, this Jaguar XK140, will be on our stand at Techno Classica Essen from 21st till 25th of March

1955 JAGUAR XK 140 DROPHEAD COUPÉ SE WITH OVERDRIVE

Very unique full optioned example since new
Benefitting from an extremely thorough restoration costing over € 210.000,-
Superb driving
1 of the nicest XK 140 Drophead Coupe we have had in our collection until now

This specific example has chassis number: S 818194 DN which shows that it has been originally delivered with a C-type engine head as well as with an overdrive (DN)

The way we bought this Jaguar was probably the rarest we have ever done, namely on a picture.
On a Wednesday morning we received an e-mail from a gentlemen from France, telling that his Jaguar was for sale.
A picture does not show everything but it was immediately clear that the restoration of this XK was not just a normal restoration.
We immediately received copies of the invoices which showed a total amount of € 219.000,- and these costs were just restoration costs without the costs of the car.

After we had seen the invoices, we asked for pictures from parts/details we know that are difficult to restore. These details were all better then perfect so we were sure that we wanted to purchase this car.
But we did not know the gentlemen and he had to leave for a holiday of 3 months.

Anyway after a lot of discussions we had a good feeling and we decided to send the transporter but also to send the money.
It is always difficult to send money to a person which we don't know but also for a car which we have never seen.
Anyway when the Jaguar arrived in Holland we were extremely happy.
It was clear that we took the correct decision in taking the risk to send over money to a gentlemen we did not know and for a car we did not see in real.
The car was absolutely amazing in every detail and probably the best 140 Drophead Coupe we had in our collection. The car had all the possible options from period correct bucket seats up to very desirable, rare and expensive sand-cast carburetors.

Amongst the quality of the car it is unique to find an XK 140 in the best possible specification so with the C-Type engine head as well as with an overdrive.

CONDITION EXTERIOR
As mentioned before this car has undergone an amazing restoration whereby the entire body has been taken from the chassis. The body as well as all the chrome is in a superb condition.
The windows as well as the lamps are all brand new and we have not been able to find any incorrectness on the exterior of the car.
The paint has a very high quality and shows extremely well.
The wire wheels are in as new condition even as the wheel spinners.

The soft top which is in a beautiful dark bleu color is also completely new.

CONDITION INTERIOR
During the restoration, the former owner choose for a superb dark red / mulberry red interior which combines absolutely fantastic with the exterior color.

The carpets are very nicely trimmed and the red leather is from a high quality.
The wood is superbly shining as a mirror and all meters and gauges are perfectly working.
All gauges and meters have been overhauled during the restoration.

The interior is like the exterior, almost nicer then new.

UNDERSIDE / ENGINE BAY
Since the restoration, the Jaguar has been scarcely used. We sold the car approximately 1 year ago to 1 of our best friends who has an amazing classic car collection in Germany. He decided to trade in the Jaguar as well as another car for a super special original Mille Miglia car.

Because of the quantity of cars in the gentlemen's collection the car was not often driven and therefore the underside as well as the engine bay is completely as the exterior and interior, as new!

DRIVING EXPERIENCE
When the key of the Jaguar is turned, the engine starts easily and it become immediately clear that the engine is running very strong.
The oil pressure is perfect and the engine responses immediately on the gas.

The transmission shifts very well with good syncros, both when warm and cold.

This car feels as having a lot of money spend on it. The handling of the XK is absolutely superb. The brakes are very responsive even as the steering. It's not only a superb looking but also a wonderful driving car.

2025-07-04 08:12:27 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 8/25

www.broadarrowauctions.com/vehicles/jc25_r0055/1955-jaguar-xk-140-mc-drop-head-coupe

Auction description:

1955 Jaguar XK 140 MC Drop Head Coupe

Monterey Jet Center 2025

Estimate:$120,000 - $140,000 Offered Without Reserve

Chassis No. S818194DN

Features a full and comprehensive restoration in period-correct

Pacific Blue over a striking Red leather interior

Desirable MC model with C-Type cylinder head and factory overdrive transmission

The rarest XK 140 variant and likely one of the finest restored examples on offer

Delivered new to Arthur M. “Art” Adams Jr of Palos Park, Illinois, this Drop Head Coupe was dispatched from the factory on 9 January 1956 in striking Pastel Blue with an equally eye-catching Red leather interior. In addition to selecting a fantastic original livery, Adams chose his XK 140 in MC specification with the high-output Special Equipment engine and electric overdrive equipped transmission for increased high speed touring comfort.

Eventually the rare Jaguar returned to Europe, where it found an enthusiastic owner in France who was determined to restore the XK 140 to the highest levels. The period correct color of Pacific Blue was selected to grace the XK 140's aerodynamic lines; the shade of blue a perfect match for the refinished walnut dashboard and fresh red leather upholstery. Chrome-plated knock-off wire wheels and a Dark Blue convertible soft top complete the exterior look. The independent front suspension was overhauled, while the rear axle was rebuilt to its original specifications as were the Lockheed hydraulic brakes and the rack and pinion steering. The powerful MC specification engine, large dual SU carburetors, and four-speed manual transmission, with its optional and sought-after overdrive unit, were rebuilt to their original sporting specifications to complete the highly detailed restoration. Restoration invoices are said to have totaled in excess of €210,000, as noted by previous research. A file of restoration photos documents portions of this work.

Upon completion, this XK 140 was sold through the noted Dutch outfit The Houtkamp Collection to a German owner for a brief period, before it would return to the United States with a new caretaker. Today, the car remains in magnificent condition. A recent test drive by a Broad Arrow car specialist revealed an XK that has been exceptionally well restored, and which would be a fine candidate for top vintage rallies and concours events. In preparation for sale, the XK 140 has benefited from a comprehensive service at The Pit Stop of Brisbane, California, which encompassed new carburetor floats, spark plugs, a change of all fluids, a new battery, while the brakes were bled and a set of new tires was fitted.

Not only has this seldom seen XK 140 DHC been expertly restored, it also boasts a high level of authenticity. Its Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate confirms that it retains its original, numbers-matching engine block, high performance C Type cylinder head, and body. A benchmark example of its type, it would be a welcome sight at JCNA gatherings and concours events. For those looking to enjoy its performance capabilities, surely it would be a joy to stretch its legs on any number of vintage rallies, where its high-performance engine specification, overdrive transmission, and luxurious specifications could be fully appreciated.

2025-08-19 10:49:32 | Capt RD writes:

Sold $123,200

Monterey 2025