2014-05-16 18:13:16 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 5/14
www.bonhams.com/auctions/21901/lot/64/

Auction description:
Lot 64
1955 Jaguar XK140SE Coupé
Chassis no. S814371DN
Engine no. G3944-8S
€90,000 - 120,000
US$ 120,000 - 160,000
One of only 1,965 XK140 fixed-head coupés made in left-hand drive configuration, this 'SE' version has the C-type cylinder head and overdrive transmission, and thus represents the model in its ultimate and most desirable form. Chassis number 'S814371DN' was despatched from the factory in 1955 to Jaguar's West Coast, USA importer Charles Hornburg of Los Angeles, California. It was delivered new to Mr Frank W Brown, a film producer. Mrs Brown, who drove a white XK140 roadster, was a friend of the famous actress Olivia de Havilland. Kept in the family, the car was registered in the town of Los Gatos in the San Francisco Bay area. Never damaged and never modified, it was repainted on two occasions prior to 1999.

Subsequently imported into Europe, the car has been restored by the current owner. The complete, 'body off' restoration, finished in 2013, returned the car to effectively 'as new' condition, with the body painted in Pacific Blue and the interior re-trimmed in grey piped dark blue, as stated in the accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate, which also confirms matching chassis, engine and body numbers. The chassis was epoxy coated after it had been stripped and sandblasted clean.

All the mechanical components, which have matching numbers, were dismantled and reassembled by the respected Jaguar specialist Patrick Lansard after replacement of all the worn parts. The latter include the steering rack, suspension springs, shock absorbers, fuel tank, fuel pump, carburettors, exhaust manifold, exhaust system, brake master cylinder, braking system, clutch, lights, electrical system, etc. All the restoration works were undertaken with the greatest respect for Jaguar's original construction methods.

The engine and gearbox were fully overhauled and in the course of the rebuild the engine was upgraded with a hydraulic timing chain tensioner. Coopercraft disc brakes have been fitted in preference to the original drum brakes, which are included in the sale. Other noteworthy upgrades include an electric cooling fan and a stainless steel exhaust system, while the tyres are new Dunlop Road Speed 600 SH S6. Freshly restored by an acknowledged expert and presented in beautiful condition, this highly desirable XK140 coupé is offered with the aforementioned JDHT certificate, French Carte Grise and Contrôle Technique.

2014-07-13 13:14:35 | pauls writes:

The XK Gazette reports the car sold for EU98,900.