Jaguar XK 140 Drop Head Coupe

The Penultimate edition

It has been a while since I last wrote about the saga of my on-going restoration of my XK 140 DHC. I was home at the summer of 2005 and spent some time with Tom Taylor discussing Jaguar matters when he made a request of me to do an ongoing article for the web page as to the restoration status.

It has been nearly three years since I wrote the first installment and a lot of water has passed through the bridge since then. In 2003 I transferred from sunny Houston in Texas to work in the Caribbean in Trinidad to where we currently reside (Someone has to work here in sunny paradise) The car is still resident down at Classic Restorations in Alyth where I am pleased to say that it has come on a lot since I last reported albeit that there were a few drama's on the way. When I first reported that the back end body tub of the XK was completed and looking good and that the same company was contracted to do the front body tub? Thereby lays the tale. The company in question went under the name of English Classic Panels then latterly Prototype Panels, promised me and Classic Restorations that the front end would be finished within 6 months. Unfortunately this was never the case as due to industrial relation problems nothing was forthcoming after a year and a half. After repeated phone calls and false promises running into two years the decision was made to rescue my original bonnet lid, rear wheel wings and any other components that were supposedly made. A clandestine operation was undertaken to rescue my components and I purchased what little had been made over a two year period. To summarize there was NO front tub after a frantic two year period.

On Successful rescue of my original body components both Charlie Palmer and I decided to go to Guy Broad and purchase all the body panels needed from them with Classic Restorations doing the full build at Alyth... This was one of the better decisions as after a 2 year wait with nothing to show, Guy Broad had all the panels up to Alyth within two weeks. (You can always guarantee excellent service and efficiency from Guy Broad's team) At long last work got underway again on building the total body on the restored chassis. The standard of craftsmanship from the team at Classic Restorations was second to none as the photographs will bear witness too. It was unbelievable how quickly the phoenix arose from the ashes after a long delay of two years, needlesss to say as work progressed quickly so did the frequency of the labour bills. All panel gaps, doors windows, roof and others were all fettled exactly correctly with an old engine block in the engine bay weighing it down to give accurate panel alignments. Come December of 2004 the body was getting close to its first lick of paint even though there were some repairs needed to the hood frame and mechanism to get everything aligned.

Meanwhile going on in parallel was the engine rebuild. Unfortunately the team at Alyth had discovered a large crack in the cylinder block probably due to years of neglect as it stood in an open garage for years in Surrey but who knows. Charlie Palmer of Classic restorations managed to find a good second hand block that was re-bored and all engine components stripped and replaced where necessary. Again when I saw the re-built engine for the first time I was impressed by the finished detail that was on show and could not wait to see it in situ. Alas due to Xmas and the mere fact I had parted with some hard cash, things were put on hold till May/June 2005 till I found additional funds to get things moving again. The green light was given and painting commenced. I chose after great deliberation, to paint the car in modern Jaguar Racing green as opposed to BRG. Yes I can hear the purists now saying I should not have done it but it is my car and it looks really stunning as will be seen from the attached photographs

On my return for my 2005 summer vacation to Aberdeen in July, Classic Restorations asked if they could show the car at their trade stand at the Glamis Castle Scottish Transport Extravaganza. This I dully agreed to and of course I went down to see it on display at the event. I was amazed to see how much interest the car received from the general public which made me feel good and leaves me wondering as to how much interest it will generate when completely finished. The car has still one final coat of paint to receive after all the ancillary components and wiring are fitted which is nearing completion at present.

All chrome work is away at the Chrome Platers and awaiting return. The next key steps when funds allow will be final paint coat and finish, fit Getrag Gearbox and final ancillaries including light fitments and disc brake conversion for front wheels, Hood and interior trim-work.

I will complete the final write up with plenty photographs when the job is complete and the car is on the road.

All the Best from Sunny Trinidad.

Jim Blackhall - Sept 2005