Highlights

Older high quality restoration with sparing subsequent use
Large history file dating back to 1990s
Sympathetic updates including 5spd gearbox to improving touring
Clutch replaced in 2023 and full service just completed in 2025
Very smart and well kept OTS perfect for classic car events

The Appeal

The XK140 evolved the beautiful lines and considerable performance of Jaguar’s original XK. More chrome, more power and improved comfort make these cars ideal for classic car tours and events.

This one dials that capability up further with some sympathetic improvements. Most notably this includes a 5spd BMW Getrag gearbox, which makes high speed, long distance drives more relaxing. Telescopic shock absorbers improve handling while an aluminium fuel tank and improved cooling system aid reliability.

Those enhancements build on what is already an impressive car. It is a USA-market export model that spent a large part of its life in the dry climate of Texas. It was extensively restored in the 1990s when it gained its smart red and black colour scheme. The quality of that work is demonstrated by how good the car still looks today.

It was imported to the Netherlands recently after a period of time in the UK, during which it was sparingly used only in dry weather and otherwise carefully stored. Recent work has included regular servicing and a new clutch. In January 2025 it was serviced again and the front brakes overhauled.

This is a really lovely, lightly enhanced car with its original 3.4L straight six 195bhp engine. As one of the most beautiful cars of the last 60 years, it will surely draw admiring glances whether in your collection or out on classic car tours.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 1956
Factory built in 1955
Chassis ‘A’ prefix shows this car is a ‘Special Equipment’ model
Original export LHD model sent to USA
Lived in Dallas, Texas between 1992 and 2005
Restored in Texas in 1992 with photographic documentation
Returned to UK in 2005 and used sparingly
Covered an average of 250 miles per year in UK
Only used in dry weather in UK and carefully stored when not in use
Imported from the UK to the Netherlands in 2024
Extensive maintenance records available, including a valuation report
Serviced in 2023, with a clutch replacement costing approximately €3,400
Fully serviced in 2025, including front brake cylinder replacement for €1,850
We are told the car retains its original factory engine
One key
Factory handbook
Photographic record of restoration as shown
Various invoices and receipts as shown

The Condition

Older high quality restoration in smart red which remains in very good condition
Paintwork presents very well with only exceptionally minor marks to note in photos
Car recently received professional polish to improve presentation
Bodywork is very well kept with flush panel fit and no accident damage reported
Chromework is bright and well kept across trim and wheels
Set of five chrome wire wheels in good order with vintage tyres fitted
Black removable soft top as shown in good, lightly aged condition
Underside presents very well with no reported issues
Buyers can check the bodywork, paintwork and underside condition in photos
Black leathe interior is very well kept with very gentle patination of age
Retains original features like four-spoke wheel and leather-clad dashboard
Supplied with jack and tool bag as shown
No reported electrical, lighting or switchgear faults advised

This car’s condition is a testament to the quality of its older restoration in the early 1990s. The care of its subsequent keepers has certainly also played its part. It is beautifully presented, the paintwork enhanced by a recent professional polish.

Red over black is a classic colour scheme for these cars and works well with the extensive brightwork. The interior is well kept with just the very lightest sense of age to the black leather seats.

The Mechanics

Original matching numbers 3,442cc XK straight six 195bhp engine
Upgraded to BMW Getrag 5-speed gearbox
Telescopic shock absorbers for improved handling
Aluminium fuel tank installed in 2022
Stainless steel exhaust
Aluminium radiator for better cooling
Serviced in 2023 with replacement clutch at considerable cost
Also serviced in early 2025 including work to front brakes
No reported running or driving issues

Jaguar XKs are virtually purpose-made for classic car touring and long distance drives. Big, comfortable and long-legged, these cars make easy work of the A to B. However, they can be significantly improved by sympathetic improvements that make them more relaxing at high speeds and also more reliable.

This car benefits from such enhancements. There is a 5spd BMW Getrag box, uprated suspension and improvements to the fuelling and cooling systems.

Alongside the improvement the car has been regularly maintained throughout its life. There has been considerable expenditure in recent years on servicing, a replacement clutch and overhaul of the front brakes. The car is said to arrive on the market needing nothing and ready to enjoy this summer.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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