Lot 4018
1955 Jaguar XK140 MC Drop Head Coupe
Lot Details & Additional Photographs
Chassis # S 817773 Engine #G 4239 8S Mileage: 3200
The first year of production of the XK140 was late 1954, with a 1955 model to be offered as an update to the XK120. Its re-design allowed the cockpit to be lengthened by three inches for driver comfort. Signals were added above the enlarged bumpers. Chrome strips ran the length of the hood and trunk lid, and announced with a blazing red medallion "Winner of LeMans 1951-3". The same 3.4 liter in-line six cylinder engine from the XK120 was used but modified with Special Equipment to boost horsepower to 190 in standard configuration. This engine could be fitted with a special "C" type cylinder head, larger carburetors, and dual exhaust for a 20 horsepower increase. Along with wire wheels and a dual exhaust they are known as SE models in the UK, and MC in the USA. In total, 2,740 XK140s were produced in three years until 1957.
With the 3.4 liter in-line 6 cylinder engine, equipped with the "C" type head (with what appears to be stamped serial numbers from the factory), dual exhaust, two inch H8 Sand Cast SU carburetors, this vehicle was imported as an MC equipped DHC XK140 from the factory. Equipped with the standard four-speed manual transmission.
Exterior in Cream paint, with a red interior, walnut dashboard, and a black soft top.
This lot subject to reserve. For this lot, payment accepted only by wire transfer. 15% Buyer's Premium for LLA live-online and absentee bidding. 20% buyer's premium for live internet bidding through Live Auctioneers. For winning bidders in NC, license plate and titling of vehicle will be obtained by Leland Little Auctions NCFL# 7452, provided all applicable fees and taxes are paid.
From a Notable Collection, Pinehurst, North Carolina.
Per the JDHT certificate, this XK140 MC was delivered to a dealer in San Francisco, and sold to a Dean Daskarolis in San Francisco, California. Paperwork indicates a New York owner John Dalessandro, founder of John J. Dalessandro Co., a floor brokerage firm and member of the New York Stock Exchange for over 35 years. Jack, as he was known, was and avid vintage car enthusiast, who raced in the Mille Miglia in 2006-7. All documentation of refurbishment work is in Dallessandro's name. Upon his death in 2008, a letter from Jack to his longtime friend of 30 years Bob McCann, stated his wishes that the car belong to his friend. Bob served as a Senior Executive at Merrill Lynch in New York, and continued to give the car the love it deserved. He enlisted Jay Storch of Delray Motorcars in Vero Beach, Florida to perform some work on the car, and maintain it. The last few years, it has been cared for by a restoration specialist in Carthage, North Carolina.
Operates and drives wonderfully, it prefers to be started regularly; paint and chrome in excellent condition with very few minor flaws; under current ownership this vehicle has been maintained and stored by a specialist; jack and few tools are retained; Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust included; documentation to support work stated and previous ownership.
In wonderful condition; a series of refurbishments were performed in the mid 1990s by a coach builder in New York; interior work was performed and some corrections were made to secure a more precise fit of many parts; an electric pusher fan was mounted in front of the radiator, with a switch mounted under the dash; the fuel tank was removed and restored in 2005; later electronic ignition added; slight cracking to paint near screws holding fender mounted signals; indications of work performed to the convertible top mechanisms and headliner, but original wood in the top appears to be intact and unrestored; no other apparent concerns; chassis photos coming soon.
