3 years after the second world war ended the XK120 appeared to showcase the new twin camshaft 3.4litre engine that was to power the Jaguar brand to enormous commercial and sporting success. The stunning design transfixed the motoring world and ‘everybody’ wanted one. A car that could deliver 120mph performance in the 1940’s. So , pause and think about that for a second

The XK120 evolved into the XK140 and then the XK150. Throughout the 1950’s the XK became a sporting icon that morphed into the C Type, D Type and other XK powered racing cars that dominated the post war racing and rallying. Sporting success and outstanding beauty have made the XK a vehicle of desire for the aspiring collector and sporting enthusiast today. This desirability and usability makes the XK a car for all enthusiast collectors. Mille Miglia, Le Mans Classic, Peking to Paris, Goodwood Revival are some of the most high profile events that welcome the XK. However, the XK is welcome everywhere today manoeuvring across class boundaries and offering something for everyone who always wanted to a drive an XK.

The demographic of our ageing traditional collector car fraternity has shifted like tectonic plates causing a relative shift in the classic car movement and as such the hitherto traditional XK buyer is selling their car. 5 Years ago there would have been an orderly and sometimes disorderly queue of suiters fighting to buy a car such as this. Now we have to appeal to the ‘traditional’ buyer and the younger generation who might not have has the XK120 as a poster car.

To the traditional buyer and the younger boys and girls considering dipping their toe in the 1950’s ‘water’ read on.

This car is a UK right hand drive, matching numbers car and as such is incredibly rare being one of 479 built and is shortly to celebrate its 70th birthday! Most similar cars will be left hand drive converted to right hand drive as 2310 of these were built and exported mainly to the USA. So this car is rare, very rare.

The XK140drop head coupe is arguably the most desirable and useable XK derivative. Desirable because it retains the earlier sweeping lines of the 120 adorned with some additional external chrome it is a logical evolution from the 120. However, the main reason this style is so desired relates to the mechanical improvements. An extra 4” of leg room doesn’t sound a lot but the 120 was a tight fit for taller drivers and 4” is a lot. To drive the car is improved by rack and pinion steering which also makes steering the car more ‘modern’ and direct. The drop head top is that coachbuilt lined roof that is easy to drop down or erect giving the perfect blend of instant wind in the hair and fixed head comfort when erect. The result is a car that can be super fast but also a magnificent grand touring car. This car is the most recent steed of a very well known historic racer and he has had the car prepared for grand touring by his race car prep companies. As such it drives superbly well and is tight and confidence inspiring at high speed and in sweeping corners. The brakes are uprated to discs on the front and stop the car extremely well. The engine is first rate and will be WARRANTY guaranteed by us. The gearbox is also refreshed and is quite the best of its type I have used. The overdrive in top gear is also perfect. Whether you want to sit on the autobahn at 100mph or spirit through the country lanes on the way to Goodwood this car is your perfect partner.

Turning to the cosmetic side of the car we can confirm the Heritage Certificate on file matches the numbers on the car. Manufactured 9th March 1956 the car is painted in Gunmetal metallic with matching wire wheels shod with as new Vredestein tyres. The trim has grey leather bucket seats and carpets offsetting the beautiful wooden dash and door cappings. It’s a striking and beautiful car to look at with all the creature comforts of the elaborate soft top. The car is cosmetically an older restoration and as such there are a few marks to the paint consistent with an older restoration. These can be rectified but are left as is for total transparency to the prospective buyer. The car has been used on continental touring trips and gentle touring rallies and has all the mechanical upgrades to accommodate that. It is also fitted with a radio behind the dash centre tray. Seat belts are also fitted.

In conclusion this is a wonderful XK140dhc for the sporting owner who wants to drive the car enthusiastically and on the many adventures that can be had in a classic car such as this. Being original right hand drive and matching numbers supplied with a plethora of service bills and coming from a celebrated classic car home SLX692 represents a very rare opportunity to own one of the icons of British car history for frankly £30k less than it would have been 3 years ago. So whether you are the generation of our usual buyer of this type of car or one of the younger generation considering other than a Sierra Cosworth I urge you to come and have a look at this outstanding XK140dhc. Whichever you are you will not regret it