2014-11-25 15:13:47 | XK Data writes:

The record was updated:

2014-11-18 17:32:13 | pauls writes:

Car offered at:
www.harwoodmotors.com/vehicles/inventory_details.php

Sellers description:
The Chassis Number, S813255, starts with the letter S, denoting a XK140 OTS MC. The Body Number prefix is F, denoting the open two-seater (OTS) bodywork. The engine number is the important one (G9930-8S), with both a prefix of G denoting that it is an XK140 engine and the suffix of 8S, which denotes 8.0:1 compression and the C-Type cylinder head, respectively. That same engine number is stamped on the block above the oil filter housing (it matches on this car) and also on the cylinder head at the boss between the cams (it, too, matches). With all that in mind, there is no question that this is a 100% numbers-matching XK140, which should put your mind at ease with regards to its specification.

This XK140 also has a wonderful story behind it, another key ingredient in any pedigree. Most notably, it has had just two owners from new, changing hands in the 1970s for the first and only time in its life. That second owner has enjoyed it for nearly 40 years, yet it shows just 49,430 original miles, so it has always been a cherished heirloom and not used for daily transportation. In the early 2000s, the original Old English White paint was starting to look a little tired, and as these things go, a full disassembly of the body ensued and the car was completely repainted using modern two-stage urethane to replicate the original finish. It looks brilliant today with a shine that no 1950s enamel could match, not even that applied by the magic elves in Coventry, and with very few miles since then, it remains in excellent condition. You might also be surprised to learn (OK, not really) that Jaguars can rust in the most demonic ways possible, and that a great many of the shiny, fresh restorations seen at auctions are cars that have been pieced back together, sometimes from multiple sources, for just this reason. Fortunately, this car needed no patching, no repairs, and showed no significant rust damage in any of the usual places. The rocker boxes behind the doors are solid, the trunk edges near the opening are unmarked, and the floors remain solid. Given the car's remarkable state of preservation and care, the body was not removed from the frame, since it just wasn't necessary.

At any rate, the body was completely refinished and I have to believe that some of the chrome must have been restored at the same time, because much of it is simply too nice to be 1956. The grille is excellent, the windshield frame is bright and crisp, and details like the taillight housings and bright trim that bisects the entire car are excellent. However, we strongly suspect that the bumpers are original, and they do show a few scuffs and bumps, but overall the car has a wonderful all-of-a-piece look where no one component stands out as too perfect or too deteriorated. It's just lovely.

The interior was also restored as necessary in its original red livery. The carpets are surely newer, as must be the door panels, which are crisp and rigid without any warping or sagging, and all the original hardware was reinstalled. The seats are excellent and show only light stretching on the seating surfaces, but no split seams or scuffed panels, and settling into this Jaguar is like coming home because it fits you perfectly the moment you slide behind the wheel. There's a bit of fading on the carpet surrounding the shifter, which is to be expected in an open car and there's a bit of scuffing on the driver's door rail where someone's elbow might have rested, but these are small demerits in a very impressive car. All the Smiths gauges are fully functional and in unquestionably original condition with bright markings, although the clock is not currently functioning. The wipers, the heater, and even the turn signals are all operational, so you can forget the usual complaints about English electrics. Remarkably, the original black canvas top is still stowed behind the seats and it is unquestionably 60 years old. It's a bit faded, there are two finger-sized holes in the canvas, and there are a few discolored areas, but it does fit well and given how meager the weather seals are on these cars, it should be adequate if all you're hoping to do is keep the rain off in an emergency. It also includes the original side curtains neatly stowed on a little shelf above the top and they're in excellent condition with all the hardware intact.

The trunk was probably refinished at the same time, as it has fresh red carpets that give it a tailored appearance. There's a surprising amount of space there for two people's luggage, making this XK140 a fine touring vehicle. You will also note the original jack and grease gun in their slots under the trunk lid and a matching chrome wire wheel and Dunlop spare tire in the well underneath. The critical areas are solid and clean, although it appears that at some point, water pooled in the spare tire well and there is some surface scale. There is no perforation or rot, but merely surface rust that looks much worse than it is. There's also an original tool roll and a complete set of tools, an expensive item to replace but invaluable on an original car, as well as a brass drift used to remove the knock-off wheel locks.

As I mentioned, this is unquestionably the original, numbers-matching engine, a 3.4 liter DOHC inline-six that was a mainstay of Jaguar sports cars for a generation. It's buttery smooth and loves to rev, making the most spectacular sounds this side of Silverstone. With just over 49,000 original miles on it, there was no need for a full tear-down and rebuild, but it was pulled and inspected, then detailed and reinstalled with new gaskets and seals as required. The twin SU carburetors were rebuilt and today the car starts almost instantly and idles smoothly without much fussing, even when it's cold. The C-Type aluminum cam cover has a soft shine that's perfect for a car like this and the spark plug valley was painted correctly in red rather than silver. The exhaust manifolds likely wear original porcelain that's in above-average condition and it has been properly maintained since day one, so it's always ready to go. A fresh Optima battery was installed in September 2014 so it cranks with vigor and fires with a bark from the twin tailpipes out back. Correct Lucas electrics, including the coil and fuse box, keep the engine bay looking correct and it would not take much to elevate it to show standards if that's something that interests you.

Underneath, the chassis is original, so you already know it's not perfect and shiny with some surface scale on the heavy metal parts and along the edges. However, there's absolutely no evidence of accident damage and factory-type components were used whenever repairs or service were necessary. The 4-speed manual gearbox is a joy to run through the gears with positive action and smooth clutch take-up and the unassisted drum brakes are remarkably powerful. A new fuel pump has been fitted along with a few fresh exhaust components, so it's up to date and ready to go. New chrome wire wheels were also installed when the body was painted and then fitted with 6.00-16 Dunlop blackwalls for a correct look and the original wire wheels are included with the sale.

2014-11-24 07:11:53 | Lofty writes:

27 from end of production