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Chassis number: S807451DN, Registration number: 726 YZA, Engine number: G8699-8S

Launched in 1954, the Jaguar XK140 was broadly similar to, though more refined than, its sensational XK120 predecessor, major engineering changes being confirmed to the repositioning of the engine 3″ further foreword 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 ar the front and telescopic shock absorbers replacing the previous lever type at the rear.

Like its forebear, the XK140 was built in three model types; roadster, coupe and drophead coupe, the latter two offering in creased cabin space and occasional rear seats. Outwardly the new comer was distinguishable by its revised radiator grille, rear lights incorporation flashing indicators and large 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 hight-lift camshafts and revised porting. To ensure reliability, steel bearing caps replaced the previous cast-iron types. A close-ratio gearbox enabled better use to be made of the increased performance while Laycock-de Normanville overdrive became and 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 if 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 0-60 mph time of 8.4 seconds on the way to a top speed of 121.1 mph.

One of only 179 XK140 drophead coupes made in right hand drive configuration, and thus one of the rarest Jaguar models, this SE version has the C-type cylinder heads, dual exhaust system and overdrive transmission, and thus represents the model in its ultimate and most desirable form.  Jaguar records confirm that the chassis number ‘S807541DN’ was dispatched from the factory via main dealers Henley Ltd in London to Bristowes Motor Works and the car was first owned by Major A Hickman of Dorset Clay Products, Poole, and registered JTK 826. The accompanying Jaguar Heritage Certificate records the original colour scheme as Pastel Blue with matching interior and French Grey hood (the present livery dates from circa 1990). The chassis engine and body numbers on this car all confirms exactly with Jaguar Heritage records. This car has a known continuous historyfrom OCtober 1966 and earned a special place in Jaguar folklore when it was acquired by Paul Skilleter, author and publisher specialising in Jaguar cars.

The car passed in 1968 to specialist car dealer Cecil Bendall of Hitchin who sold JTK 826 to G R Hazel of Weston, near Hitchin, a somewhat reclusive character who used the car very little. Jaguar enthusiast Vic Beckwith subsequently bought the car from Hazel and carried out a high quality refurbishment of interior and exterior. Beckwith sold the car to respected Irish enthusiast, the last Derek Ryan of Dublin, who registered the car in Ireland as 726 YZA. While in Ryan’s ownership, this car was fire damaged, passing then through the hands of two ‘establishment’ figures in the Irish old car world before acquisition by the most recent owner roughly twenty years ago.

A careful restoration was embarked upon circa 1990, and the car has since seen little use while in the owner’s collection. Recently and gently re-commissioned, it is finished in Old English White with a red leather interior. The care is in generally very good condition. It is offered wit the aforementioned Jaguar Heritage Certificate and is currently licensed in Ireland. Paul Skilleter features this car in an article in Jaguar World in November / December 1996. The XK140 Drophead Coupe model is well suited to snug, all-season, continental touring, or the more sporty motorist may prefer to fully exploit its 210bhp in more competitive events.