2014-09-19 18:51:25 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 10/14
www.bonhams.com/auctions/21908/preview_lot/4727889/

Auction description:
1955 Jaguar XK140SE Drophead Coupé
Chassis no. S817976 Engine no. G5565-8S
€120,000 - 150,000
US$ 150,000 - 190,000

Auction 21908:
The Zoute Sale

10 Oct 2014 18:00 CEST

One of 2,310 XK140 drophead coupés made in left-hand drive configuration, this desirable 'SE' model was manufactured on 7th October 1955 and dispatched on 27th October to Jaguar's West Coast USA importer Charles Hornburg in Los Angeles (see JDHT certificate on file). In 1978 the car was purchased in the USA and imported into Italy by the vendor, who used it for continental touring. In 2011, the owner embarked on a comprehensive restoration: the car was dismantled; the chassis sandblasted and repainted; the wiring loom replaced; the braking system likewise; and the steering box and suspension overhauled, the latter using Teflon bushes.

The engine has been comprehensively rebuilt with new pistons, cylinder liners and bearings; the carburettors dismantled and overhauled; and a stainless steel exhaust system installed. At the same time the car was upgraded with a five-speed gearbox (in need of overhauling, the original four-speed manual/overdrive unit comes with the car).

The body was repaired and repainted in the original colour of pastel blue, while the headlights, hood, tyres (including spare) and interior (in correct dark red) are all new. The restoration was completed in 2013 and the car has since been checked over following the initial shakedown. Some 1,200 kilometres have been covered post-rebuild, since when a new battery has been fitted and an oil change carried out. The car's mechanical elements are described as in excellent condition and the body and interior as good.

The Jaguar has never been registered in Italy and comes with the US Certificate of Title, EU customs paid documents and the aforementioned JDHT Certificate. A lovely XK140SE drophead coupé equipped with the desirable C-Type cylinder head and a five-speed gearbox, nicely run in and ready to enjoy.