1956 Jaguar XK 140 FHC
About 20 years ago, a Jim D purchased this Jaguar from Hollywood Motors in CA. It had no engine and was in pretty rough shape. Some old photos with the car show a Chevy V8 under the hood, so someone in the past swapped in an SBC and then it was pulled before it was sold at Hollywood Motors. Jim had a 64 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Liter DOHC Inline 6, with the triple carbs and a Moss 4 speed he had rebuilt and was looking for something to put it in. Unfortunately, Hollywood Motors would not release any history on the car so we only know what Mr. D did to the car over his ownership. Over the next several years he obtained needed parts, had bits rebuilt (like the 4 speed gearbox, the generator, oil pump, gauges, etc.), added new parts throughout, sandblasted the car, had it repainted, redid the entire interior (new burlwood dash, new seats and door card leather, etc.), new brake lines, new stainless steel dual exhaust, new stainless fuel tank, had many parts rechromed, he also added Wilwood disc brakes to the front and kept the rear drums. The body was in very good condition, aside from a rusted boot/spare tire pan, so a used one was found and he welded it in.
He finished the car in 2023 and then, after accomplishing the restoration, sold it to Allan here in CT. Allan only did some minor work to it, changing the oil and going to a dual carb set up instead of the triple carbs that were on it. He felt the engine bay looked too cramped and couldn't access the front carb. (The triple carb set up does come with the car). All the receipts from 2018 through present come with the car as well as literature, books, etc. (there are over $50,000 in receipts), Very sadly, Allan passed away in early 2026 and the family is now selling the car.
The dark blue paint is not a Jaguar color but Blue Angels dark blue. It shines very nicely but does have a few small blemishes, noted in the photos, the worst being a couple of small spots where the clear coat has peeled .. these spots are smaller than my pinky nail.
The interior in Biscuit leather contrasts well against the dark blue and is probably the best aspect of the car, in very good condition. All the gauges work, the horn works, wipers, lights, etc. even the heater fan blows air.
Under the aluminum bonnet sits the real artwork .. a 1964 Jaguar 3.8 Liter E-Type Dual Overhead Cam inline 6 cylinder. It has the gold high compression (9-1) head and recent compression numbers show all above 155 psi. In this configuration, should be putting out 265 HP and similar torque numbers. Under the bonnet is clean but could be detailed to a higher level. Turn the key, pull the choke, hit the starter button and the big 6 fires to life and idles smoothly. It could use a little carb tuning as the idle moved about a little in my time with the car.
However, out on the road, the 6 pulls the big cat easily up to cruising speeds, the moss gearbox shifts smoothly when the clutch is depressed all the way down. The, newer thick carpets sometimes interfere, but even so, it shifts with minimal complaint.
The boot lid currently closes but doesn't latch correctly, some adjustment is needed in the mechanism. There is no tool kit and no spare but it does have the correct jack.
The wire wheels were re-chromed and look great against the dark blue paint, Vredstein Sprint Classics in 185HR16 size, with a date code of 2017 are wrapped around the wire wheels.
The odometer shows 35570 miles, but actual miles are unknown.
The underside of the car is clean, it shows minor surface corrosion here and there but overall is in very good condition.
The car is very solid, not original and won't be winning any Jaguar concours d'elegance, but it looks great, would do ok in the driven or enthusiast division.
It is a blast to drive and that's what this car was designed to do.
In the 15-20 minutes I had it out on the road, I rec'd multiple thumbs up and "Nice Car" shout outs.
If you're looking for a wonderful Jaguar XK-140 that you can get in and drive, bring out to shows, vineyards, etc.
This is your car!
Asking price is $58,500
Any questions, for several hundred additional photos and video, to schedule a time to inspect her, or to make an offer, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for the interest!
