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XK 140/150 Jaguars

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Mark Sigfrinius

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Rumor has it that Jaguar put a few automatics in the 140/150's. I am interested in locating a FHC in driver or better condition if the rumor is true. Yes a 4 speed would be nice but an accident 15 years ago took care of using a clutch, brake or gas pedal. If anyone can assist in this huge request I would be most appreciative. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nopity.gif
 
I don't have any specs at hand as far as the number produced with automatic transmissions but change rumor to fact for the XK150. You are in a bit of luck because the automatic is not as desired as the 4 speed so it should equate to a lower price. Good luck.
 
Hi Mark,

You beat me to it /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif I was going to post here too (re: the e-mail you sent me) Don't have any specific leads I know of as of right now...
 
Dear Serlock: It's a small world. I found your email address on a link on the British Saloon Club of Canada. So you get two "hello's" in one! I took a quick look at your "collection" but will have to return to it when I have an hour or two to view all the pictures. My father's very first car was a 1952 Ford Consul sedan. I guess that started my British car insanity. My uncle also had an early 50's Austin sedan he bought cheap after hitting a skunk. It was fine until it rained (but he lived in Seattle). I figured The Forum would be the place to search for my XK so we will see what happens. Someone out there in the world has something close to what I'm looking for and it probably is in Canada because of the number of imports. I'll hold my breath! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazyeyes.gif
 
Dear Vette,
I certainly hope you are right. I'm going to hold out until someone on planet earth has the right XK, is getting a divorce and needs money desperately! (I can dream) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif
 
I owned a 150 coupe with automatic years ago and found it to be Ok. The transmission is a two speed and a bit of a slug. These days it is almost impossible to find parts for that BorgWarner. If you find an automatic or even a four speed worth the money, I would recommend that you convert the 150 to an XJ6 Borg Warner 3 speed automatic. That is a much better transmission and it is a bolt on for the 150 bell housing. . If this sounds appealing to you, I can help you with the change to XJ.
 
Thanks John. I have a '59 MK1 with a B/W three speed automatic and I guess the parts for that are a bit hard to come by also, although I have had the car for two years without any trouble. While I have you on the line...is it possible to convert a 4 speed XKE to an XJ automatic without calling the butcher? I am not too fond of the 2+2 style which has automatics. I know of two XKE Coupes both with the stick shift that I could acquire fairly reasonably. I'm just looking for options. Thanks in advance for any help. (Wheelchairs are a pain but I have to deal with it so I'm trying.) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
 
Mark,

I think the automatic gearboxes require more space, length being one of the problems, which was the reason only the long wheelbase 2+2 had automatics. Even if the XJ tranny fit, it's highly unlikely the shifter would come through the existing hole.

I know what you mean about the 2+2 style. The FHC is sleeker. But, you'll find 2+2's with automatics to be the cheapest of the E-types.

Razz
 
Mark, The 3 speed in the Mark I is a Borg Warner that is common to a Studebaker of the same vintage. including the shifter mechanism. This might help when it comes to parts hunting. I think the butcher is required for a two seat coupe to accept an automatic but not too much. Perhaps some transmission cover panels from a 2+2 grafted into the right places would simpllify the project. Drive shafts can be modified for length.
 
Hi Mark,

On the ser1,2,&3 XKE, the "hump" between the seats is bigger (taller, wider, longer) on the automatic cars. As the automatic trans is about 9" longer than the manual trans, the rear mount has to be fabricated and the drive shaft shortened. The radio box and center console covering all that are also different than the manual XKE.

On the XK140 and 150, it's the same story, but the hump is removable. Switching a 140/150 to auto is straight forward, but if you go with original parts, the auto shift lever is on the bottom center of the dash - an engeneering nightmare. I'd advise getting a floor mounted one from an XJ or auto XKE.

I know of an automatic XK150 DHC that had a total rest. a few years ago. I think the guy wants $45K, but it's drop dead beautiful. It's dark blue with grey int. It would have been sold a few times if it were a stick, automatic is not that popular. It's a lot of money and it's way out here in S.E. PA. but it would cost twice that to build.

Send me a message if you have an interest or if you hit Lotto.

Phil.
 
Razz,
Thanks for the info. I just may have to 'suffer' and pick up an automatic 2+2. (life is hard) Most people (excluding Jaguar folks) don't notice the difference anyway. Might even give me more room for the wheelchair! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gif
 
Phil,
I certainly found the right place to ask questions at this forum. Thank you for the information. As I posted to another member I may just have to settle for a 2+2. The Jag you mentioned really sounds like a great deal but even the $45,000 is a little too much at this time. I'm trying to think if I have an old, rich relative that likes me and is nearing 'departure' but so far......nope. If someone would send me check who has way too much money I will contact you. I know. Maybe someone from the Forum would like to open their heart (wallet) to a poor, older Jaguar loving small town Mayor who.........nah. Christmas only comes once a year!!
 
I second the observation about the transmission control being in the center of the lower dash and a nightmare. That is part of the Studebaker legecy and you would be better off with a direct linkeage from the top of the transmission hump console. I think that the 150 would be much better to work with on such a conversion than the 140.
 
You are right John. My MK1 has the transmission shifter in the dash at the lower end. How they worked that one out is a mystery. If you will notice I put in another inquiry (sort of) and kind of resigned my looking to an XKE 2+2 with an slush box. It eliminates any cut and paste work & will probably be a much easier Jag to locate. Thanks again......Mark
 
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