1957 Jaguar XK140 SE Roadster
Registration no. UKG 972
Chassis no. 800046
Engine no. G3795-8

"For 1955, Jaguar present a range of models incorporating not only added refinements, but mechanical advances directly derived from their many outstanding successes in international competitive events. All the wealth of experience gained on the race-tracks of the world and in record-breaking speed and endurance tests is built into every Jaguar to provide for discriminating motorists the highest degree of efficient performance allied to comfort and safety." - Jaguar Cars Ltd.

One of only 73 XK140 roadsters manufactured with right-hand drive, and one of just 43 car delivered to the UK, chassis number '800046' is the 46th built and was delivered with SE model equipment, with the desirable C-type cylinder head.
The car was supplied by the Jaguar factory to the Imperial Motor Mart in June 1957. It was first registered on the 11th of July 1957 in Hertfordshire to Burgess (Minerals) Ltd. Within a few weeks the car had been transferred to Mr Parsons of Cardiff and he transferred his personal registration 'LXO1' to it.
The XK140 was then sold to a Mr Leonard Beecher of London in 1960 and registered as 'UKG 972' which remains with the car to date. The next two owners were a Mr Jones of Kent (1963-1966) and Mr Lockwood of Croydon (1966-1967) who seem to have used the car sparingly.
In 1969 the car was purchased by Mr Ian Campbell. He was a dedicated Jaguar enthusiast and set about restoring the car to its former glory. An exceptionally high-quality restoration ensued, and the history file contains a photographic record of this process. It was at this time that the colour was changed to Old English White with Red interior, and how the car presents today. Mechanically, the engine and gearbox were stripped and rebuilt. A photographic album detailing the restoration is available within the history file. Unfortunately, the owner lost his eyesight and the car remained garaged, but not used, for a number of years.

Upon his death, the XK was bought by the present owner, who commissioned a specialist garage to overhaul the mechanicals and get the car back on the road again. The braking system was overhauled and a new stainless steel exhaust system installed. A new mohair hood was fitted together with side curtains to the original design. The bodywork had any dents and scratches repaired before receiving a complete re-spray. Some of the over-riders were re-chromed. This re-commissioning was carried out between 2012 and 2020. On file are original receipts for the restoration and repair work undertaken, together with MoT certificates for the period 1978- 2002.

There is an original set of tools in the boot and the spare wheel is present also. The only notified deviation from factory specification is the sensible fitting of a Kenlowe electric cooling fan. The car comes with extensive history including the original sale document, old-style logbook, and a detailed history of each of the car's owners. According to the vendor, 'UKG 972' runs beautifully and has been lightly used since 2006.