1957 Jaguar XK140 Open Two-Seater
- Engine
- 3.4L DOHC inline-six with twin SU carburetors, C-Type cylinder head, ~190 bhp
- Colour
- Imperial Maroon
A late-production Jaguar XK140 drophead coupe, built on 29 January 1957 and among the final examples completed before a factory fire destroyed several remaining cars just two weeks later. Originally supplied as an M-model without the C-Type cylinder head, the car spent decades in storage before undergoing a comprehensive, photodocumented frame-off restoration costing approximately $125,000, including an engine rebuild, disc brake conversion, five-speed gearbox, and a repaint in Imperial Maroon. Subsequently driven over 6,500 miles of touring and shown at concours level.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$209,000
- 1957-01-29 → 1970Acquisition unknownSan Diego-area ownerpartial documentation
Car was based on the West Coast; by 1970 it was seeing very little use in San Diego.
- 1970 → 2009-12-01Acquisition unknownKentucky ownerpartial documentation
The car was relocated from San Diego to Kentucky and placed in storage, where it remained for roughly three decades.
- 2009-12-01 →Private saleJim and Cathy Kakuskafull documentation
Commissioned a full frame-off restoration through J.K. Restorations in Oswego, Illinois, totaling approximately $125,000; also undertook extensive touring after completion.
Competition
- —Geneva, Illinois ConcoursBenz Award winner
Awarded the Benz Award at a concours event in Geneva, Illinois, shortly after the restoration was completed.
- —Taylor's Mountain MileDriver: Jim Kakuska
Attended as part of a broader touring program covering roughly 6,500 miles across two summers; location in Virginia.
- —Going to the Sun RallyDriver: Jim Kakuska
Participated in this Montana-based rally during the post-restoration touring period.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2010BodyworkJ.K. Restorations
Body was stripped for paint preparation; minor surface rust addressed in under an hour, confirming the solid condition of this West Coast example.
Work carried out in Oswego, Illinois; preceded the full frame-off restoration.
- 2010RestorationJ.K. Restorations
Full frame-off restoration with comprehensive photographic and written documentation; virtually every component was rebuilt or replaced, including chrome work, rewiring, Dayton wire wheels, and a new interior from Bassett's Jaguar.
Total cost approximately $125,000; restoration records are described as extensive. Labour alone was $29,490; chrome work $10,740.
- 2010Engine rebuildJ.K. Restorations
Original engine rebuilt using replacement parts; separately, the cylinder head was upgraded to C-Type specification as the factory had not fitted one originally.
Parts for the engine rebuild totalled approximately $3,640.
- 2010ModificationJ.K. Restorations
Five-speed gearbox installed in place of the original unit to improve everyday drivability; front disc brake conversion also fitted. Original gearbox retained and included with the car.
New gearbox cost approximately $3,980; disc brake conversion approximately $2,035.
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