Bonhams 1793 : Sold in aid of the registered charity, '3Ts – Turn The Tide Of Suicide',1956 Jaguar XK140SE Drophead Coupé Chassis no. S807451DN Engine no. G8699-8S

withdrawn

3 Mar 2012 14:00 GMT Oxford
Collectors' Motor Cars
Back to auction 20140

Sold in aid of the registered charity, '3Ts – Turn The Tide Of Suicide'
1956 Jaguar XK140SE Drophead Coupé
Registration no. 726 YZA
Chassis no. S807451DN
Engine no. G8699-8S

Estimate:

£50,000 - 70,000
€58,000 - 82,000
US$ 78,000 - 110,000

Footnotes

'For 1955, Jaguar present a range of models incorporating not only added refinements, but mechanical advances directly derived from their many outstanding successes in international competitive events. All the wealth of experience gained on the race-tracks of the world and in record-breaking speed and endurance tests is built into every Jaguar to provide for discriminating motorists the highest degree of efficient performance allied to comfort and safety.' - Jaguar Cars Ltd.
Launched in 1954, the Jaguar XK140 was broadly similar to, though more refined than, its sensational XK120 predecessor, major engineering changes being confined to the repositioning of the engine 3" further forward and the adoption of rack-and-pinion steering as used on the racing C-Type. The suspension and brakes remained much as before, though with stiffer torsion bars at the front and telescopic shock absorbers replacing the previous lever type at the rear. Like its forbear, the XK140 was built in three model types: roadster, coupé and drophead coupé, the latter two offering usefully increased cabin space and occasional rear seats. Outwardly the newcomer was distinguishable by its revised radiator grille, rear lights incorporating flashing indicators, and larger bumpers - the latter adopted to withstand the cut and thrust of urban parking.
The power unit remained Jaguar's well-tried, 3.4-litre, twin-cam six, which now produced 190bhp in standard trim thanks to higher-lift camshafts and revised porting. To ensure reliability, steel bearing caps replaced the previous cast-iron type. A close-ratio gearbox enabled better use to be made of the increased performance while Laycock-de Normanville overdrive became an option for the first time. Special Equipment (SE) XK140s came with wire wheels and Lucas fog lamps, and could be ordered with an engine developing 210bhp courtesy of the 'C'-type cylinder head. XK140 performance was well up to the standards set by its exemplary predecessor, contemporary magazine road-tests regularly recording top speed figures in excess of 120mph. Tested by Road & Track magazine, a USA-specification XK140MC (as the 'C'-type head-equipped SE version was known there) recorded a 0-60mph time of 8.4 seconds on the way to a top speed of 121.1mph.
One of only 479 XK140 drophead coupés made in right-hand drive configuration, this 'SE' version has the C-type cylinder head, dual exhaust system and overdrive transmission, and thus represents the model in its ultimate and most desirable form. Chassis number 'S807451DN' was despatched from the factory via Henlys Limited in London to Bristowes Motor Works and first owned by Major A Hickman of Dorset Clay Products, Poole. The accompanying Jaguar Heritage Certificate records the original colour scheme as Pastel Blue with matching interior and French Grey hood (the present livery is believed to date from circa 1990). Currently registered in the Republic of Ireland, the car was owned there previously by one Victor C Beckwith and also by Mrs Patricia Ryan, widow of the respected Irish enthusiast, the late Derek Ryan. The 'XK' has been in the current owner's hands since its circa 1990 restoration and has seen little use while in his collection. Finished in Old English White with red leather interior, the car is described by the vendor as in generally very good condition and offered with the aforementioned Heritage Certificate. All proceeds of the sale will be donated to the registered charity, '3Ts Turn The Tide Of Suicide'.