2013-03-06 03:02:31 | james chapman writes:

car in Brightwells auction 6/3/13

2013-03-10 00:31:57 | pauls writes:

URL for above:
classiccars.brightwells.com/viewdetails.php

Auction description:
Lot number 69
Hammer value N/S (est. £75,000 - £80,000)
Description Jaguar XK140 Roadster
Registration 893 YUL
Year 1954
Colour Dark Blue
Engine size 3,442 cc
Chassis No. 810211
Engine No. G1332-8

As its chassis number confirms, this particular Roadster was made in early 1954 and is the 211th car built. Originally left-hand drive, it was supplied new by Hoffman of New York in November 1954 to first owner M Tischler of the same city. Not much is known of the subsequent history of the car but an Arizona Certificate of Title in the history file shows that it was in that state in 1987, shortly afterwards being exported to the UK.

The current owner acquired the car in April 2010 and immediately set about a total nut-and-bolt rebuild which took two years to complete and has resulted in the magnificent specimen you see today. The extent of the work carried out is too detailed to list in full but is fully documented by many bills and photographs in the history file.

During the restoration the car was converted to right-hand drive and a new Guy Broad-supplied Broadsport 5-speed gearbox fitted which cost £2,937. The engine was completely stripped and rebuilt and converted to run on unleaded fuel. Braking has been uprated with discs at the front. The interior was professionally retrimmed in beige leather and a new set of matching weather gear (including hood and sidescreens) has also been fitted.

The panel fit and the dark blue paintwork are superb, as is all the chrome. Pleasingly the car still rides on the original fitment steel wheels, shod with period-looking BF Goodrich Silvertown tyres, for a really authentic 50s look. A Heritage Certificate confirms that the engine is the original unit fitted to the car.

Since the restoration was completed the car has covered less than 100 miles and is effectively still running in. Taxed until July and MOT'd until August, this gorgeous sportscar, sensibly and discreetly uprated for modern road conditions, is ready to enjoy right away. One of William Lyons' most beautiful designs, it is sure to attract a huge amount of attention wherever it goes.