This wonderfully original and very special XK140 is the FIRST Left Hand Drive XK140 Drophead Coupe  (DHC) built. Chassis Number 817001. 

As the very first left hand Drophead Coupe  produced  it was very likely the Paris and New York Auto Show display car.   Records show that it was imported as a new model to Max Hoffman's Jaguar dealership in New York.  Its first owner was A.F. Knowles of San Francisco.

Signs of its likely display car days remain with chrome uprights for the front hood and bonnet, chrome surrounds for the seats and even a period radio.  The original bolt on wires and skirts are included with the car.  All numbers match on chassis, body, engine block and gearbox. 

This rare and unusual XK140 is mechanically very strong and runs and drives very well. It is 100% ready for touring and could be something very special for its next owner. The Jaguar Heritage Certificate is available for downloading under "PDF" on this page.

This West Coast car was owned since the mid 1960s by a gentleman in Seattle and is still owned by a friend of this long-term owner.  With only 89K original miles on the odometer , the car has recently been freshened with new wiring, new stainless steel dual exhaust system, rebuilt carburetors, a re-cored radiator and new brakes on all 4 wheels completed to the highest standards. It also has just had a complete new interior and new top installed, using factory-correct materials.  The chrome is all original.  The body tags show no signs of ever having been removed as paint in the engine compartment appears to be original.   The chassis throughout is solid with no signs of accident or rust repair.  The paint has an aging patina with a respray in the 60s.

This XK140 was introduced in built in October 1954 and sold as a 1955 model.  Some signs remain as it transitioned from the XK120 model, including a carryover of the cushion on the transmission tunnel. The primary visual change was the more substantial front and rear bumpers.  Another new feature was modern flashing turn signals, operated by a separate switch on the dash.

The Drop Head Coupe is perhaps the most user friendly and luxurious of the early XKs.  Interior space increased considerably over the 120, allowing for taller drivers to be comfortable in the car.  One feature is real wind-up windows. Its  permanently mounted padded soft top is quiet and rich appearing when closed, but also allows for open air motoring. The DHC has a very elegant walnut-veneered dash and door cappings.  As a gesture to practicality, a jump seat was added to this model.

This beautiful example is located and available for inspection in Seattle, WA by contacting Dominic Dobson at 206-660-0399.