Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sotheby's Santa Monica event, June
24, 2017.
Estimate:
$100,000 - $120,000 US
Presented in Cotswald Blue with black soft top and leather
interior
Southern California owner since 1978
Restored at a cost of over $100,000; restoration receipts
included
Includes tools, jack, and spare
When the sleek XK 120 debuted on Stand No. 146 at Earl's Court in
October 1948, it stole the show, prompting one journalist to
comment, "all preconceived notions as to what was a
series-production sports car disappeared overnight." Jaguar called
it a "remarkable new super sports model with an outstanding
specification and phenomenal performance."
In 1954, the improved XK 140 offered improved cooling, braking and
precise rack-and-pinion steering, as well as greater passenger
comfort and legroom, while retaining the 102-inch wheelbase and
essential styling of its predecessor. The Fixed Head Coupe and
Drophead Coupe both had occasional jump seats, thanks to the engine
being moved forward three inches. The cowl was raised two inches,
as was the steering wheel, which increased comfort and headroom
inside. Outside, the XK 140 received heavier bumpers, connected to
the chassis this time; a bolder cast-aluminum grille with fewer
bars, which improved cooling.
This Jaguar XK140 Roadster is presented in Cotswold Blue with Black
leather and Black soft-top. The 3.4-liter engine is reported as
being correct and is paired with a four-speed manual transmission.
It has been owned by the same Southern California owner since 1978,
and he undertook a restoration that cost in excess of $100,000. A
large accumulation of receipts quickly totals $55,000 when only
looking at the larger aspects of the restoration.
The XK 140 exhibits a "lovely solid and straight body with
incredible paint." The chrome has been redone and is also stated to
be "fantastic." The platform has new leather seats, carpets, door
panels, and soft-top. Mechanically, all components are said to be
rebuilt, resulting in the Jaguar being a delight to drive as it has
"great oil pressure, good power, plus it steers and stops
well."
This exciting British legend comes with the majority of the
restoration receipts, original tools, jack, and spare. To further
add to its luster; during its brief three-year run, there were only
around 9,000 XK 140s manufactured.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/.
