Registration - ESJ 423

Chassis No. - A812238

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - TBC

This matching numbers, Special Equipment roadster is a sight to savour. Originally a white lefthand drive export model it was repatriated and UK registered in 1997, and then acquired by the vendor 16 years later. While in his care it has been treated to a bare metal renovation during which any welding required was carried out, the Jaguar repainted in the current red livery, and the hood and carpets renewed. Uprates include the replacement of front brake drums with discs and the dynamo with an alternator. The vendor now classes the paintwork as ‘excellent’, and the XK engine, four-speed manual gearbox, bodywork and black leather interior as ‘good-to-excellent’. He is now offering the car complete with woodrim steering wheel, chrome wire road wheels, leather bonnet strap, auxiliary driving lights, badge bar, a range of spare parts, Heritage Certificate and a modest history file. He adds that the Jaguar was regularly MOT’d until recently, since when ill health has prevented him from taking to the road. In summary he describes ‘ESJ 423’ as ‘pampered and gorgeous’ and ‘a pleasure to drive’.

In 1954, the all-conquering XK120 gave way to the XK140. An additional three inches of legroom was achieved by moving the engine, firewall and dashboard forwards. What had been the SE options for the XK120 engine now became standard, and the SE package for the newcomer comprised: the C-Type cylinder head fed by a pair of H8 SU carburettors, twin exhaust pipes and stiffer torsion bars for the front suspension. A quick car as standard, in SE trim the XK140 could accelerate to 60mph in under 9 seconds and on to a top speed approaching 125mph. The model remained in production until 1957, when it was replaced by the XK150 – the final iteration of the original XK line.

In summary:

• A very smartly presented Special Equipment example

• The subject of a bare metal renovation

• Comes complete with a number of extras and upgrades