Model
XK140 FHC
Make
Jaguar
Body
Coupe
Year
1956
Colour
Maroon
Condition
Restored Condition
Description
The Jaguar XK140 was produced from 1954 until early 1957 and was the successor to the XK120. It came in three models, the roadster or OTS (Open Two Seater), the Drop Head Coupe (DHC) and the Fixed Head Coupe (FHC). This car is a special equipment XK140 FHC with Laycock de Normanville overdrive, C-Type cylinder head, wire wheels, twin exhausts and fog lights, which was delivered in March 1956.
The first owner was John Britton of Birmingham, England, who owned the car for 20 years before selling it to David Ryan of Woodland Hills, California, in November 1976. Little is known of the car’s history while it was in the USA, although it was rumoured to have been used in several Hollywood movies. The multiple layers of different coloured paint found on the car during restoration add credence to this rumour. It remained in right hand drive configuration during its period in the USA.
It was shipped from Longbeach, California to Melbourne in November 1988 and the current owner began a full restoration. The engine, gear box and differential were all completely rebuilt. The body and chassis had all rust removed, which entailed the making of new front and rear wings and the panels across the front of the car. The restoration was completed in early 2013 and since then the car has undertaken regular trips to attend Jaguar National rallies.