1955 Xk140se Roadster(ots) on 2040-cars

 The car is beautiful. Starting with a running, tired, all numbers matching(per the Heritage certificate) car, the body was disassembled, braced, removed from the frame and placed on a custom dolly. It was then media blasted,  Fairly minor rust was cut out, new metal continuous welded in and metal finished. Epoxy primer was applied inside and out. Then many, many hours were spent applying and blocking urethane surfacer. I'm very proud of how straight and flat the sides are and how smooth the curves are. The body was painted inside and out with Dupont basecoat/clearcoat then color sanded and polished. The gloss is evident in the pictures. The body was meant to end up as the factory made it- the only non stock area is a piece of steel as reinforcement for seat belts. New wood floors for the cockpit and boot were made and painted as per original. The body was reunited with the chassis with a new mount kit. A new wiring harness was installed. All chrome was either new, rechromed or a few parts were fine as is. New windshield glass. After the interior was installed, it was ready to drive. I really tried to use all original fasteners and most are. That's important if you are planning to have the car judged by the Jaguar club.

The car runs great. Starts easily, starting carb shuts off as it warms up, doesn't over heat- although I live in the country and don't have to deal with stop and go traffic. Brakes stop well. The 3-4 synchro is weak and will crunch if shifted fast, but is fine otherwise. The overdrive works well and is really cool to use. It handles well- new bushings, Spax adjustable shocks, even a new steering wheel make it a pleasure to drive. Last time I checked, all electrics were working except for the clock and the wiper motor. It worked on the bench when I refurbished it, so it is a wiring issue. It has 6 (I think) wires going to it and the diagrams are poor. I think they are in the wrong order.

Now the flaws: I have a beautiful new canvas top from OSJI and a refinished top frame that I haven't installed. It will need header wood(readily available) to install it. OSJI reupholstered the side curtains and supplied me with new fitted plexiglass for them. I had the frames rechromed. They will need chrome strips(also readily available) to finish them. There is a minor flaw in the body. During reassembly, I used a bolt slightly too long while installing the passenger rear fender. It raised a dimple in the rear bodywork along side the boot lid. I wasn't able to take a picture that showed it. It really is that small, but it drives me crazy. The tach cable broke last week, I'll supply a new one. I had XKS in California re-porcelain the manifolds for me (>700.00!). I see they have chipped. I've been told that means mixture or ignition settings are off, but it runs so well, I'm not sure that is the case.

I have a clear MI title. I transferred  from a clear Indiana title. It listed the car as a 1954 model. but it is clearly a 1955. the Heritage certificate says it was manufactured 26 January 1955. As stated before, all numbers match the heritage certificate. Who knows what the real mileage is. EBay requires that I list the odometer reading, but I have no idea what has happened in the last 59 years!

The original color was pastel blue with blue interior and a tan top and side curtains. I just couldn't do it. The color now is I believe a correct Suede Green, suede green interior and a black top and side curtains. 

I have 5 original 54 spoke wire wheels(one is the spare). They have old bias ply tires on them, but are useful if the car will be judged. The new owner is welcome to them, though shipping may be problematic.

 I truly believe the new owner will enjoy this car for years to come!