1955 Jaguar XK 140 SE Fastback Coupé by Michelotti
- Engine
- Correct-type Jaguar XK block (exact displacement and cylinder count unspecified)
- Colour
- Cream over Duo-Blue interior (original); currently bare/unfinished aluminium fastback body
A unique Jaguar XK 140 SE Fixed Head Coupé, chassis S 814286, completed at the factory in May 1955 for the French market, that was rebodied by Giovanni Michelotti following an accident in 1957. The resulting aluminium fastback coupé is believed to be the sole surviving example of its style among the three XK 140s Michelotti is thought to have bodied. With Lancia-sourced switchgear, a distinctive oval grille, twin headlamps, and a pop-out rear window, the car remains unrestored and represents an exceptional candidate for sympathetic full restoration.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate £300,000 – £350,000
- 1955 → 1957Factory deliveryMademoiselle Jeanne Gaymardpartial documentation
Original first owner in France; took delivery via the Paris importer Charles Delecroix. The car was in use for roughly two years before a serious accident in 1957 that destroyed the original bodywork and engine.
- 1957 →Acquisition unknownGiovanni Michelottipartial documentation
Received the bare chassis following the accident and used it as the basis for a unique aluminium fastback coupé body, with a custom interior incorporating Lancia switchgear. Precise dates of his tenure are not recorded.
- 1979 →Acquisition unknownRoland Urbanpartial documentation
President of the French Jaguar Drivers' Club and specialist collector of rare Jaguar models; rediscovered the car in this year. The vehicle was noted at the time to have a C-Type engine block fitted, which has since been replaced.
- 1999 → 2016Acquisition unknownMr Schepens of Ghentpartial documentation
Belgian coachbuilder and Jaguar enthusiast who drove the car regularly and held it in high regard. He initiated a restoration project but passed away in 2016 before it could be completed, leaving the car unfinished.
- 2016 → 2018InheritanceEstate of Mr Schepenspartial documentation
Following the owner's death the car remained in his garage alongside his other vehicles for approximately two years before being consigned to auction.
- 2018 →AuctionJaguar Classicpartial documentation
The marque's own heritage division purchased the project car at auction and reassembled it using period-appropriate components, though no full restoration was undertaken. A correct-specification engine block was later installed by CKL Developments between late 2023 and early 2024.
Competition
- 2018Goodwood Festival of Speed — Cartier Style et Luxe
The car was displayed as part of the prestigious Cartier Style et Luxe concours element of the Festival of Speed during the same year it was acquired by Jaguar Classic.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1957BodyworkGiovanni Michelotti
Following accident damage that is said to have destroyed the original body and engine, the bare chassis was presented to Giovanni Michelotti, who fabricated an entirely new aluminium fastback coupé body with revised interior and dashboard incorporating Lancia switchgear.
This rebodying transformed the car from a standard Jaguar XK 140 SE Fixed Head Coupé into a unique one-off design.
- 2018MechanicalJaguar Classic
After acquisition at auction, the car was reassembled by the marque's heritage department using numerous period-correct components; no restoration work was formally commenced.
Many original period fittings and instruments were sourced and are present with the car, though not all are fitted.
- 2023Engine rebuildCKL Developments
A correct-specification engine block was installed to replace the earlier non-original C-Type unit; work carried out between October 2023 and April 2024 with supporting invoices on file.
Work spanned October 2023 to April 2024.
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