2026-04-04 06:49:00 | pauls writes:

Car now offered at:

www.carandclassic.com/auctions/1956-jaguar-xk140-se-fhc-rhd-mod-gDPxag

Seller's description:

1956 Jaguar XK140 SE FHC RHD MOD

Colour Green

Odometer 116 Miles

Engine size 3442cc

Transmission Manual, 4 speed

Steering position Right Hand Drive

Seller Type Private

Maidstone, Kent, United Kingdom

Desirable SE model with C-Type head delivering 210bhp when new and rare optional 2" sandcast C Type carbs, a combination delivering in excess of 210 bhp when new

Fitted with reconditioned fully synchromesh MOD gearbox 

High-end restoration by marque specialists totalling £67,500 completed 2015

Attractive car in British Racing Green with matching wires and Suede Green leather

One of only 436 LHD 210bhp SE models factory fitted with overdrive 

Current keeper since 1998 

Large history file documenting restoration and recent maintenance

£18,000 invested via the same specialist since 2023 across various work 

Converted to right-hand drive with upgraded servo-assisted front disc brakes

Just 1,289 export LHD FHC cars were built with the C-Type head. Just 436 were built with the factory manual overdrive gearbox, which is arguably the ‘ultimate’ XK140 spec. This 1956 factory SE joins that tiny group because it has been converted to ultra-rare MOD spec. It began its life in the USA before being repatriated by specialists Retro Classics in 1998, when it was acquired by the current keeper. It required restoration, which was completed in 2015. The work was extensive and touched every part of the car. Enthusiasts will be pleased to know it was undertaken by knowledgeable enthusiasts such as Leaping Cats Ltd, Phoenix Restoration, VSE Ltd, Trafford Engineering, and MCT Jaguar Restorations. The total cost exceeded £67,000 and included an engine rebuild, fitting a reconditioned gearbox, overhauling the suspension, brakes, steering and electrics and renovating the body. The car was repainted in fetching British Racing Green and retrimmed in factory-correct Suede Green. The extensive woodwork was also renovated. 

Since 2023, nearly £18,000 has been invested via specialist Turner Classics across electrics, servicing, brake work, wiring, trim and attention to the wheels.

The car arrives with the buyer in fine order. This is clearly a much-loved, enthusiast-owned example whose rare specification and elevated condition make it stand out in the market. 

History and Paperwork

Manufactured 24th January 1956 at Jaguar's Browns Lane factory, Coventry

Supplied to the US market via Jaguar Cars New York on 22nd February 1956

Reimported to the UK in 1998 by Retro Classics Ltd

In current ownership since 1998

Registered with DVLA January 2016 

Single registered keeper in the UK 

VIN number S815308BW confirms ‘SE’ spec with automatic gearbox 

Jaguar Daimler Heritage Certificate shows chassis number, specification, and build date

Photographic record of the restoration as shown in photos 

Large file of invoices documenting the restoration work

Library of original Jaguar sales literature and handbooks

Copy of Jaguar XK140 Explored by Bernard Viart, described by the vendor as being in mint condition

Converted to RHD during restoration work 

Handwritten notes summarising restoration stating £67,547 cost 

V5C

Registered as a Historic Vehicle 

Recent maintenance by Turner Classics (further details in photos): 

10/24 - £2,318 - electrics, suspension, brakes 

01/24 - £1,788 - electrics and other work 

10/23 - £2,773 - electrics, repairs to wheels 

10/23 - c.£900 - electrics, servicing 

03/23 - £10,197 - brakes, repairs, servicing, wiring etc 

The Condition

Body restoration carried out by Leaping Cats Ltd, a Jaguar bodywork specialist

Rear wings and adjoining areas, both sills, and front sections of both front wings replaced

Chassis required only limited repair and was painted gloss black, as original

Body and chassis separated and sandblasted prior to restoration

Repainted in British Racing Green by Phoenix Restoration

Interior retrimmed in original Suede Green using a trim kit supplied by MCT Jaguar Restorations

Trim includes headlining, seat covers, carpets, dash casings, and boot linings

All interior woodwork replaced and veneered in burr walnut as per the original, including instrument panel, cubby box, door cappings, and cantrails

Floorboards, boot floor, and hinged flap between rear seats and boot also replaced

New wire wheels fitted at all four corners with new splined hubs

All electrical wiring is new, we are told 

Recent repairs to wheels, electrics, wiring and dashboard as detailed above and in photos

Fitted with green painted wire wheels with matching spare and Michelin tyres

Underside as shown with some light age to note in photos 

Front seats fitted with Jaguar-branded lap belts 

Chromework rechromed during restoration, with some age to note to the rear bumper unit 

The Mechanics

Rebuilt 3,442cc XK DOHC straight-six engine with C Type cylinder head

Converted to a manual overdrive gearbox during restoration 

Rebuilt 4spd manual all-synchromesh gearbox with factory overdrive

Two-inch "sandcast" C Type SU carburettors

Engine dismantled and restored by VSE Ltd; cylinder head machined by Trafford Engineering

New exhaust valves, camshafts, pistons, and connecting rods fitted

New hydraulically operated clutch replacing the original mechanical arrangement

Front suspension stripped and rebuilt with all new bushes

Front drum brakes replaced with servo-assisted disc brakes, similar to those fitted to the XK150

Rear springs replaced; new linings fitted to the rear drum brakes

All brake pipes replaced in copper with new brake hoses throughout

Brake pressure balancing valve fitted between front and rear

Steering rack renovated and converted to right-hand drive

New stainless steel twin-pipe exhaust system as per Special Equipment specification

New stainless steel fuel tank, new SU fuel pump, and reconditioned original radiator

New pipes and hoses fitted throughout

All electrical components, including dynamo, starter motor, distributor, control box, indicators, and lights, were replaced or renovated

All instruments checked and renovated as necessary 

£18,000 of recent maintenance by specialist Turner Classics, detailed above