1956 Jaguar XK140 Drophead Coupé

This originally LHD XK140 DHC - with the desirable C-Type cylinder head - was imported new to the USA in 1956 through the legendary East Coast dealer, Max Hoffman.

When new, it was black with a brown interior.

Today, it is dark blue with a red interior.

It was exported to Ireland from Kentucky, USA, in October 1989, and acquired by Dr. Laurence Swan, a marque enthusiast.

Later in 1989 the car was converted to RHD configuration as part of an extensive refurbishment and restoration by David Dunn of Dublin, Ireland.

In 2003 it was resprayed in the blue you see today and within the last few years was refinished again.

Work carried out in the intervening years includes, but is not limited to, the installation of an oil cooler, removable auxiliary electric cooling fan, and an aluminium radiator and header tank to replace the steel originals.

The XK has benefited from continuous maintenance since 2003, including the restoration of the car’s woodwork in 2011.

The most recent work, carried out by Leslie Girvan Restorations of Newry, County Down in 2025, involved draining and cleaning the tank and fuel system, repairing the carburettors and automatic choke, and tuning the engine.

The car is well-known in Ireland and at classic car rallies and events, where it has won more rosettes and ribbons than a gymkhana pony over the years.

The car drives as you would hope and expect and appears to be in first-class dynamic and mechanical condition.
 

This vehicle presents very well from every angle and has weathered the vicissitudes of age and use with commendable stoicism.

The bodywork is straight and true, with no dinks, dents or creases of any consequence to ponder.

The panel gaps and shut-lines are decent, but we noticed that the driver’s door doesn’t close completely flush with the surrounding bodywork and the shut-line gap around the bottom of the boot lid on the nearside is not exactly laser sharp.

For the most part, the navy blue paintwork has held up pretty well and retained a good deal of shine.

But it’s not perfect and there are one or two minor cosmetic issues to contend with.

There is some nascent bubbling along the base of the offside door and in the bases of the wheel arches either side of it.

The same is true, but to a lesser extent on their nearside counterparts.

There’s also a little bubbling atop the n/s/f wing and either side of the o/s/f headlamp.

We found a spot of blistering at the top of the n/s/r wheel-arch; some ripples and blisters to the paint around the top of the o/s/r wing; and a few paint chips and signs of previous touch-ups around the o/s/r wheel-arch and the boot lid.

The wire wheels are in very good order, and the matching Avon Turbospeed tyres appear to have plenty of tread left on them.

The chrome work is really very good throughout, with the exception of some lifting lacquer on the trim around the rear number plate light.

Elsewhere, the car’s lights, lenses, badging and other exterior fixtures and fittings are all pretty much beyond criticism.

With the exception of one small hole in the middle of the outer layer, the exterior of the beige fabric hood is in decent order, and goes up and down as it should - with a minimum of fuss and bother.
 

If anything, the interior is even better than its exterior counterpart.

A lot of the heavy lifting is being done by the car’s expertly refurbished wood inserts, which are glossy, dark and rich.

The soft, red leather upholstery is also making a major contribution to an overall ambience that has all the warmth and understated class of a gentlemen’s club. 

The seats are comfortable and supportive, having only a gentle patina to show for their use and service.

The useful storage space behind the seats is in equally fine fettle, as are the carpets, mats and door cards.

The hood lining has fared rather less well, and particularly at the rear, where the fabric is torn and rather ragged around the rear screen.

The steering wheel and other controls, buttons, dials, gauges and switches all look fine and, as far as we’re aware, everything does what it’s supposed to do. 

The boot is following the same general script in terms of condition and quality.
 

The engine and engine bay are notably clean, dry and shiny.

Everything appears to be in its right and proper place.

The car’s undersides look to be possessed of plenty of structural integrity, as far as we can tell.

The vehicle comes with all sorts of receipts, bills and invoices covering its restoration work and general maintenance.

There are also letters between the vendor and various restoration/refurbishment firms, and numerous photographs of the restoration work in progress and the car attending various events and rallies.  

The car is registered in Ireland, so anyone wishing to drive it in the UK will have to register it here and pay the import tax/duty etc.

A few simple cosmetic jobs aside, this splendid XK140 is in very good order and has evidently been on the receiving end of all the right type and quality of expert attention since arriving in Ireland in 1989.

We believe it has many years of pedigree British motoring pleasure to offer its next fortunate owner.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £47,000 - £52,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.