Re-Introduction

[seraphim]

Due to incompetence on my part I accidently registered under two user names on this forum. RoadRunner will no longer exist, but Seraphim will.

I've been pricing XK140's, and it seems to me I won't be able to get into a restoration car for under $10,000. Does this seem about right to all of you, or have I just been looking in the wrong places?

 

[Wingtip]

Probably depends on the exact model (Roadster, Drophead Coupe or Fixed Head Coupe) The FHC would normally be the least expensive to get into, with the Roadster being more and the Drop Head Coupe being the most expensive (rare). A Drop Head Coupe, by the way, is like a roadster (convertible) except instead of having low-slung doors and using side curtains, the DHC has straight doors and roll-up windows. Both the Fixed head and Drop head had (very) small back seats (good for very small kids or a bag or groceries).
I'll look through my Hemmings tonight and see what is there for 140's for sale and get back to you.

George

 

[seraphim]

I appreciate the info.

The low slung doors, to me, are one of the most attractive features of the car.

I have no desire for a backseat, so it sounds as if the roadster would be the obvious choice.

I'm in no hurry. I'm learning a lot at this moment (with a lot of help from people on this forum

). I do appreciate the time you all take to answer questions.

Jerry (aka Seraphim)

 

[Wingtip]

You might get into a Fixed Head for under 10k, but for a roadster, you would have to be very very lucky to get one ionder 10k, and then it would probably be in very very rough shape. You would be better off spending a bit more and getting one that at least didn't have major rust-out and need major engine/gearbox work. Just for kicks, I scanned in a few ads I saw in Hemmings and converted (my scanner can convert text). Here are the 140 roadsters currently for sale there (there were two others, but they were $45; and $55k respectively. This might give you a better, more realistic idea:

(I CAN NOT VOUCH FOR ANY OF THESE OR THE PEOPLE SELLING THEM ... JUST PASSING ON THE INFO)
From HMN:
JAGUAR: 1955 XK 140 roadster, matching #8, early car, disc wheels, runs & drives, older repaint, solid chassis and body, $23,500. PH: 972-458-2004, TX; https://www.petesclassiccars.com

JAGUAR: 1955 XK 140 roadster, 2 Owner, 41,000 ml. classic black/red, striking, well-preserved car. 303-668-4555, CO, https://www.classicinvest.com

JAGUAR: 1956 XK 140 roadster, white/red, chrome wires, $39,500. PH: 847-247-0447. IL; https://www.northshoresportscars.com

JAGUAR: 1956 XK 140 roadster, red with red interior, very original car, sitting in storage for last 10 yrs, needs minor restoration, $17,500. Gullwing Motor Cars, Inc. 718-545-0500 https://www.gullwingmotorcars.com

JAGUAR: 1956 XK I40MC roadster, exquisite restoration, red with black interior, sandcast carburetor, factory overdrive, simply magnificent, $47,500. Hyman Ltd. 314-524-6000. MO; https://www.hymanltd.com

JAGUAR: 1957 XK 140 roadster, currently under frame-off restoration, standard 3-1/2 litre engine, rare disc-wheel skirt model new parts include: tires, interior (biscuit), chrome work, bumpers, overriders, grille, side posts, also new sheetmetal, exhaust system, includes side curtains, jack, ratchet, needs professional restoration, title, matching numbers. Chuck Pilate, 810-530-8561, MI (Notice, no price mentioned)

George




[This message has been edited by Wingtip (edited 11-02-2001).]

 

[Basil]

Thanks for going to all the trouble George! Some pretty cool sites too! Wow, if only I could win the lottery!

Basil

 

[seraphim]

Wow! Thanks George. You definitely made your point

. I appreciate all the effort you went to.

The only thing out there I saw (I did some searching, also) under $17k wasn't exactly hopeless, but would need more than I was capable of just to get it raodworthy ($10,500).

There were a couple that were do-able for my budget, but would involve having the car shipped. Any idea how that is accomplished? Do I have to make arangements with a local dealer, or do they merely hire a driver to bring it down (doesn't seem desirable to rack up the miles from, let's say, New York to Cincinnati).

Thanks again for the wonderful input. Hopefully I'll run out of ignorant questions soon .

 

[Basil]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by seraphim:
<snip>
There were a couple that were do-able for my budget, but would involve having the car shipped. Any idea how that is accomplished?<snip> <hr></blockquote>

I had a EType shipped from Virginia to New Mexico. There are lots of firms that ship cars that you can hire. It cost me $900 for that one. (and I shopped around).

By the way, having once restored a basket case 120, I can tell you that if you buy one that needs total restoration, you are probably going to end up with way more invested than if you bought one already restored. My advice is get the best deal on a decent driver (like th eone george posted that said "needs minor restoration" for $17k, or the one that said "runs and drives" for $23k. Then, you'll have something you can drive and restore it as you can afford to.

Basil

 

[seraphim]

That's pretty much what I decided, when I referred to the ones I could afford (and still maintain a non-bachelor status

).