Description
This is lot number 184 in the Bonhams Goodwood Revival Auction on September 7th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Dry stored for some 36 years
Outstandingly original
Sympathetically restored by Twyford Moors 2012-2017
Extensive history file
This XK140 drophead coupé was delivered new via Rossleigh in Edinburgh and first owed by Thomas McKellar Thompson of North Berwick East Lothian; the XK was a present from Thomas's father on his 25th birthday. The Jaguar left the factory finished in cream with black interior and matching hood, and was equipped with the optional overdrive transmission. What is truly remarkable about this car is that it has effectively remained in the same family's possession since delivery. The Thompsons were successful farmers and butchers with operations in and around Edinburgh. Thomas 'Mac' Thompson in addition to being a farmer, was a talented amateur golfer, and there are numerous photographs of the Jaguar at Gleneagles Hotel, touring the local countryside, and at home in North Berwick. Sadly, 'Mac' passed away, unmarried, at the tragically early age of 44, and the XK was left to his sister. The current owner, our vendor, is Mac's nephew.
In the mid-1970s 'NFS 404' was placed in dry storage, remaining there until it was rediscovered in 'time warp', 'barn find' condition in late 2010 with only 11, 206 miles on the odometer; it had not been driven since 1992. The car had, and still has, the original tool kit in the boot and the original valve-type radio (now upgraded with modern electronics).
In 2012 the XK was trailered down to renowned marque specialists Twyford Moors in Clanfield, Hampshire for a total but sympathetic restoration, which was completed in June 2017. To quote Twyford Moors' pre-restoration report: "This XK140 starts, runs, moves and stops under its own steam despite the presence of mice at some point!"
Twyford Moors' Ian Mills recognised the importance of this outstandingly original example and contacted Philip Porter, founder of the XK Club, who has included its details in his authoritative book: Original Jaguar XK. The owner (our vendor) decided that he did not want a thorough modernising restoration, but rather a sympathetic refurbishment that would retain as much as possible of the original car. Feeling that he ought to have some 'hands on' involvement with the project, the owner even went so far as to work for Twyford Moors for its duration!
Works undertaken included removing the body from the chassis to repaint it properly, although there was virtually no rust. This allowed the chassis to be thoroughly inspected and protected together with the running gear, fuel system, wiring and hydraulics. Modern upgrades deemed worthy of inclusion are poly-bushes for the suspension, a modification that transforms the car's feel and handling. Another improvement made was a switch to disc brakes at the front, making the car safer to drive in modern traffic conditions. Electric power steering was incorporated for the same reason. Additionally, Twyford Moors rebuilt the engine to their 'fast road spec' including lightened conrods, crankshaft, and flywheel plus cams similar to those fitted to the C-Type. Electronic ignition, electric cooling fan and upgraded wiper system. TM also included their signature footwell lighting. There are restoration photographs on file.
The full story of 'NFS 404' and the McKellar Thompson family is recounted in an article by Tony Hall in the XK Gazette's October 2017 edition (copy available). Summing up this remarkable XK he said this: "Today the car drives beautifully, even with its old Moss gearbox installed ... the steering is precise and accurate, and it sounds delightfully muted and powerful. The old wooden dash has a few knocks and dings, as do the leather seats and the overdrive switch which still lights up."
Additionally , the car has featured in Jaguar World magazine August 2023 edition by Paul Walton. (copy available). The owner also commissioned his own book on the car which will be given to the buyer.
The accompanying history file contains a fascinating collection of historical documents including the original compliments slip from Jaguar; the original Jaguar guarantee; sundry expired tax discs; an old-style continuation logbook (1960); and the aforementioned photographs.
