Following the Second World War Jaguar set its sights on creating the world’s best sports car and it came very close with the XK120. This jaw-dropping coupe shape was appreciated all around the world, but the icon was perfected in 1954 when the British marque introduced the XK140 update. The XK140 features a few subtle design tweaks including an enlarged front fascia and revised grille, stronger rigidity thanks to new torsion bars, and more power was extracted from its inline-six engine. This effectively addressed the preceding XK120’s shortcomings and offered a more generous cockpit to suit taller drivers. Two body styles were offered in the Roadster and Drophead Coupe. The latter featured a sturdier mohair lined canvas roof, rear seat, woodgrain trim inlays, wind-up windows and a better integrated windscreen. Its success wasn’t solely limited to road-going applications – the XK140 performed well in motorsport too, as a 4-time winner of the 24-hour Le Mans. Today, the attraction is all about rarity, gorgeous styling and the driving experience, with low-kilometre examples like this continuing to trend upwards in price.

Painted cream on the outside with a gorgeous red interior, this XK’s specification is sure to find wide appeal. The exterior is highlighted by chrome furnishings and a black fabric roof (with a red-piped cowl). The cabin features walnut panelling and door cappings. It rides on a set of 16-inch centre-lock wire wheels wrapped in Vredestein tyres.

This car was manufactured new by Jaguar in Coventry, England on 21 March 1955. It was delivered new to its first owner in the United Kingdom before it was relocated to Adelaide through the 1970s. It has passed through the hands of more than 10 owners according to documentation. In 1985, the car was superbly restored by renowned Tasmanian, Peter Leech, immediately winning two concours awards in Victoria. Extensive photos of the restoration are available, including a copy of the 1989 Jaguar Australia magazine which included this car’s transformation as a feature article. More recently, this car drove away with the “Shannons Choice” award at a 2020 Shannons Insurance car show. Since 2006 the vehicle has been serviced exclusively by David Short Automotive in North Hobart, who assures it is in great mechanical order.

The exterior condition of this XK140 is fantastic, especially given the car’s age. The cream paintwork shows in fine condition throughout and solid reflections can be seen in the finish.  Chromework is polished to a fine shine, while original badging and componentry appears in great condition. A small indentation is seen on the right rear wheel arch and two small paint chips are seen on the edge of the boot trim. The paired canvas roof shows in good condition and pulls taut, however a hole is seen on the right side. The five wire wheels were originally sold with the vehicle when new and were not removed from their boxes until the current owner took possession in November 2019. Needless to say, they are in immaculate condition.

Inside the cabin this car shows consistent patina for its age, however still presents in fine order overall. The vehicle maintains an electric choke. The red leather upholstery has cracked and is beginning to wear thin on the driver’s side bolster. The rear right seat shows a small mark on the seat base. Carpeting and door cards show in good condition, while the woodgrain panelling presents very well.

This car will come with supporting documentation, factory CD-ROM containing all vehicle parts can be provided upon request and a second set of capped wheels and rear spats. The current owner’s log book recording drives from November 2019.

To the best of the sellers knowledge, this listing is accurate and not misleading in anyway. As per Trading Garage’s Terms and Conditions, although Trading Garage have completed the following checks, bidders must satisfy themselves to the accuracy of the description and do any research, they feel necessary before bidding. All listings are sold in Australian dollars. This vehicle is currently registered in Tasmania until 14/3/23. There are no security interests registered on the PPSR against the serial number and it is not recorded as written off or stolen.

Exterior Gallery (84)

Interior Gallery (47)

Mechanical & Documents Gallery (17)