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• Auction House:
  Mossgreen-Webb's
• Sale Name:
  The Roy Savage Collection of Classic Cars
• Sale Date:
  04 Dec 2016 ~ 2.30pm (NZ time)
• Lot #:
  119
• Lot Description:
  1955 JAGUAR XK 140 Fixed-head coupe
  Chassis no: 804214; Engine no: G 2545-7
• Notes:
  The foundations of Jaguar began when a young William Lyons formed a small company building motorcycle sidecars called Swallow Sidecars, in 1922. Not long after, he designed more stylish bodywork for motor cars, such as those made by the Standard Motor Company, and by 1931 the company's first car, the S.S.1 was on the road. The arrangement with Standard allowed them to concentrate on coachwork and S.S. became known for rakish bodies suggesting sophistication, style and high performance. In 1935, the company made their own engine and soon its first sports car- and the SS100 Jaguar appeared. The first saloon cars of the late 40s had pre-war underpinnings but William Lyons and Jaguar stole the London Motor Show in 1948, showing their exotic sports car with an exquisite body shape that stunned the world. Powered by a 3.4 DOHC straight-six motor, the Jaguar XK120 was an elite sports car for road use - the XK120 name designating its top speed in miles per hour and the fastest production car in the world at that time. Offering outstanding value for money, orders flourished, leading Britain's crucial post-war export market to America where the fashionable roadster found demand in Hollywood. Simultaneously, the 1949-1952 era of the XK120 lightweights and pre-production aluminium bodied cars achieved major competition results under the direction of Lofty England, with awe-inspiring results and major wins in England and America. During 1951-1953, the XK120C, or C-Type was developed as an endurance racing version, Jaguar going on to years of success at Le Mans and as a consequence the further development with the D type. In 1954, the XK120 was succeeded by the XK140, with the numerals of the name again indicating top speed. Distinguishable exterior changes to its illustrious predecessor included more substantial front and rear bumpers with overriders and dash switch operated turn signals mounted above the front bumper. A one-piece cast unit with fewer and broader vertical bars was introduced to the front grille and the beautiful Jaguar badge was incorporated into the grille surround. A chrome trim strip ran along the centre of the bonnet and boot lid with the celebratory words "Winner Le-Mans 1951-3" enhancing the boot lid. The Fixed Head Coupe interior was modified to accommodate more legroom by moving the engine, firewall and dash forward by 3 inches. The XK140 had Special Equipment modifications from the XK120, increasing the specified power by 10 bhp to 190 bhp at 5500 rpm, as standard. The C-Type cylinder head, carried over from the XK120 catalogue and producing 210 bhp at 5750 rpm was optional. With its impeccable provenance this complete matching numbers Fixed-head coupe for auction, Chassis number 804214, is accompanied by the official Jaguar Trust Heritage Certificate which states this car was manufactured as a Fixed-head coupe, right hand drive on 15 June 1955 and dispatched on the 22 August, 1955 to Archibald's, Christchurch, New Zealand and purchased by W.W Laing on the 1st November that year. This fully documented XK140 was traded back to Archibald's Garage, Christchurch in 1965 and its next owner was Mr. Peter Langridge until 1968; Mr. Owen Roberts until 1969; Mr. Robert Swan in 1969 who retained ownership until 1973. It was traded in 1973 and selected by Roy Savage for his collection in 1975, purchasing it directly from Mr. Graham M. Gould of Auckland with 95,614 miles on the clock. In early 2012, following a group discussion an engine rebuild was considered necessary and a full restoration, including a full interior refurbishment and re-trim, was undertaken by Owen Woodman Automotive throughout 2012 and 2013. The paintwork colour of Lavender grey with the interior trim in red leather were matched to the original colour scheme as detailed on the Heritage Certificate. There are now 99,550 miles approx. on the clock indicating it has travelled a mere 3,936 miles approx. since the engine was re-built. This classic XK140 sports its twin SU carburettors and drum brakes front and rear; a 4-speed manual gearbox; Smith's gauges; steel wheels including the spare. The original radio completes this New Zealand delivered car. Accompanied by an original Operating Manual and Service Handbook, this superb motor car comes complete with the original NZ Certificate of Registration showing all its previous ownership. The restoration receipts are available. This vehicle is documented in The Jaguar XK in Australia book by John Elmsgreen and Terry McGrath, under XK owners/New Zealand and future editions. This vehicle will be sold licenced with WoF
• Estimate:
  NZ$120,000 - 140,000
• Realised Price:
  *****
  

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• Category:
  Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.