2013-07-18 16:17:21 | pauls writes:

Ebay item 7/18/13
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Sellers description:
1956 Jag Jaguar XK 140 Drop Head Coupe Convertible
Shows and Runs Great!

1956 Jaguar XK 140 Drop Head Coupe Convertible. I have owned her since 1985 and did much of the restoration myself as well as other craftsmen for specialized work that I could not do. I do not claim this to be a 100 point car as there are some issues that could be given attention but it is an awesome car that people love and it turns heads everywhere we go. I have won several trophies and awards from various car shows. When I brought her home she was missing the engine and transmission. Being on a budget and being mostly interested in the aesthetic beauty of the car I chose to install a Chevy engine and TH 350 automatic transmission. There are no modifications to the frame other than a few extra holes where the motor mounts are bolted. Also, a stainless steel steering shaft and U joints were coupled to the original rack and pinion steering. There were cooling problems with the V8, even with the new heavy duty 4 row radiator and electric fan, so after several years I removed it and installed a rebuilt 1992 GM 4.3 liter V6 engine. The 4 barrel carbureted V6 has proven to be the most fantastic engine for both torque and power I have seen! It actually out performs the old V8. I am certain it would out perform a stock inline 6 Jaguar engine up to a point. We're not talking running LeMans here folks! And it runs COOL at or below normal operating temperature on the hottest Colorado day! Fuel is supplied from the new aluminum alloy gas tank to the engine by a new gerotor electric fuel pump. The new custom exhaust system is equipped with dual turbo mufflers which sounds remarkably like a stock Jaguar inline 6. After I made her run I needed to make her stop. The original Jaguar drum brakes just didn't cut it. So I bought and converted to a rebuilt Dunlop 4 wheel disc brake set up from a Jaguar MK IX Saloon car. No more want for braking power here! This car STOPS! The interior is all done in oxblood Naugahyde upholstery with color matching carpet including the jump seat space behind the main seats. Behind the boot (trunk) access door I have installed a concealed GM Delco AM FM push button radio with dual Jensen speakers. Every piece of interior wood was hand made from top grade solid black walnut except for the original burly walnut dash panel which is in beautiful condition. All of the instrumentation is original Smiths except for the temp gage which I had custom made for the V8 engine, and the tach is a Sun electric unit fitted nicely in the proper location. 100% of the wiring has been replaced and power is supplied by an Optima dry type 12 volt negative ground battery. All of the chrome was re-plated and the tan cloth drop top was installed by Auto Weave of Denver which is a top of the line shop. This top has never been WET! This car has the rare and unusual disc wheels with small hubcaps fitted with Coker wide whitewall tires. I think the disc wheels are much more beautiful than spoke wheels and present a '50's era fashion statement! They also set this car apart from the usual spoke wheeled Jaguars. There are only two issues that I can think of that could use some attention, and then only if you want to but are really not needed. The paint has a few fish-eye flaws and the left hand door doesn't fit as nicely as the right hand door. Otherwise I can't think of anything else to mention. This car is not for the Jaguar purest, but is a great car to drive, show, and have fun with for less than half the price of a pure original Jag. It would be very easy to install an original engine and transmission if someone wanted to do that. This car has been authenticated by Jaguar Cars Ltd. on their letterhead. It states among other things that this car, Chassis Number 817669 is a Jaguar XK 140 Drop Head Coupe, Dispatched from factory July 1955, and the Distributor & Location was Hoffmans - New York. I also have a letter and registration documentation from the owners in the early 1970's. Also included with the car are books, manuals, and other materials.