2008-09-29 19:52:39 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 10/08
www.coys.co.uk/auctions/ascot-0810/343.php

Auction description:
1955 Jaguar XK140 Fixed-Head Coupe
Jaguar XK Challenge-winning, Ex-Le Mans Classic
Registration Number: SOM 213
Chassis Number: 804394

This highly accomplished XK140 was first converted for competition in preparation for the 2001 season when it and its builder, highly respected XK specialist Trevor Groom, made their racing debuts in the Jaguar XK Challenge. Having been chosen for its solid and rust-free chassis, SOM 231 was initially built to comply with the Challenge’s Class A regulations for mildly modified cars, changes being limited to giving the XK140 a thorough going over and fitting all round disc brakes. Soon after, twin 2.0 inch SU carburettors replaced the original 1¾ inch items with the engine, which was mated to a standard four speed gearbox with overdrive, also benefiting from a stainless steel, straight through exhaust system plus an alloy water header tank and radiator complete with special cowling to improve airflow; later in the season a high compression cylinder head with 1¾ inch valves, polished and with improved porting, was also fitted. Front torsion bars and rear leaf springs remained standard but with the suspension reset to give as low a ride height as possible and fitted with Avo adjustable shock absorbers.

Both Trevor’s and SOM’s prowess were demonstrated at their first wet race at Castle Combe where the duo finished second overall and set the fastest lap, followed by second overall in another wet race at Cadwell Park, despite competing against a full grid of modified Class B and fully modified Class C XKs, which together with other good results saw them finish second in class in the Challenge in only a first season of racing; not surprisingly, SOM was then the subject of a track test feature by Paul Chudecki in the February 2002 issue of Classic Jaguar World. It served as notice of what was to come and in 2002 Trevor steered SOM to overall victory in the XK Challenge.

With further detail modifications, including adjustable torsion bars, a competition overdrive unit and 3.3:1 limited slip differential, and fitment of wire rather than disc wheels, the car moved up to Class B and won the category outright the following year, and it has been extensively raced since. Major events have included the Le Mans Classic in both 2004 and 2006 when it was the first XK in its category to take the flag; it has also competed successfully elsewhere in Europe, notably at Spa Francorchamps, Zandvoort, Croix and Phoeinix Park, as well as in other national and international events.

Finished in dark metallic grey with red interior, this highly competitive Jaguar is presented in race-ready condition and it is supplied complete with FIA and HTP papers, photographs from the Le Mans Classic and Brands Hatch, V5C registration document and a MoT test certificate valid for one year. An historic racing Jaguar that can also be enjoyed on the road, this represents an opportunity to acquire a highly prepared and highly reliable competition XK140 that is both eligible and ideal for numerous historic racing and rallying events in Britain and Europe. An opportunity not to be missed.

2018-09-07 19:39:35 | pauls writes:

Car to return to auction 9/18
www.bonhams.com/auctions/24878/lot/215/

Auction description:
Lot 215N
1955 Jaguar XK140 Competition Coupé
Registration no. SOM 213 Chassis no. 804394
£ 60,000 - 90,000
US$ 78,000 - 120,000
Goodwood Revival
8 Sep 2018, 13:00 BST

*Built by Trevor Groom for the 2001 season
*Successfully campaigned throughout the UK and Europe
*Highly competitive
*Present ownership since 2008

This well-known and hugely successful XK140 was converted for competition purposes by highly respected XK specialist, Trevor Groom, and made its racing debut, driven by him, in the 2001 Jaguar XK Challenge. Chosen for its solid and rust-free chassis, '804394' was initially built to comply with the Challenge's 'Class A' regulations for mildly modified cars, with preparation being limited to a thorough going over and fitting disc brakes all round. Soon afterwards, twin 2" SU carburettors replaced the original 1¾" items, while later in the season a high-compression cylinder head - polished and ported and fitted with 1¾" valves - was installed. Other improvements at this time included a straight-through stainless steel exhaust system plus an alloy header tank and radiator complete with special cowling to improve airflow. The engine is mated to a standard four-speed gearbox with overdrive. Augmented by AVO adjustable shock absorbers, the front torsion bars and rear leaf springs remained standard but with the suspension modified to achieve as low a ride height as possible.

The competitiveness of this driver/car pairing was demonstrated at its first wet race at Castle Combe where 'SOM 213' finished 2nd overall and set the fastest lap, which was followed by 2nd overall in another wet race at Cadwell Park, despite competing against a full grid of modified 'Class B' and fully modified 'Class C' XKs. Those and other good results saw Trevor finish 2nd in class in the Challenge in only a first season of racing. 'SOM 213' was then track-tested for Classic Jaguar World magazine (February 2002 edition) by Paul Chudecki. Capitalising on his successful debut season, Trevor went on to secure to overall victory in the XK Challenge in 2002.

With further detail modifications, including adjustable torsion bars, a competition overdrive unit, 3.3:1 limited-slip differential, and wire rather than disc wheels, the car moved up to 'Class B' and won that category outright the following year. Since then it has been raced extensively at major events including the Le Mans Classic in both 2004 and 2006 when it was the first XK in its category to take the flag. The XK has also competed successfully elsewhere in Europe, notably at Spa Francorchamps, Zandvoort, Croix, and Phoenix Park, as well as in other national and international events.

The current vendor purchased the car at a UK auction in 2008. It was acquired for his daughters to race but they found the car too heavy to handle and it has remained unused for the last ten years, being stored and maintained by his personal mechanic. The only modification has been to make the seats adjustable.

Finished in dark grey metallic with red interior, this highly competitive XK140 comes complete with FIA and HTP papers; photographs of the Le Mans Classic and Brands Hatch; and a UK V5C registration document. An historic racing Jaguar that can also be enjoyed on the road, it represents an opportunity to acquire a highly developed XK140 competition car eligible and ideal for numerous historic motor sports events worldwide. An opportunity not to be missed.

2022-09-06 06:01:28 | pauls writes:

Car returns to auction 9/22

www.bonhams.com/auction/27523/lot/350/1955-jaguar-xk140-fia-competition-coupe-ch ...

Auction description:

Lot 350

1955 Jaguar XK140 FIA Competition Coupé

Goodwood Revival Collectors' Motor Cars and Automobilia

17 September 2022, 14:00 BST

Chichester, Goodwood

£60,000 - £80,000

Registration no. SOM 213

Chassis no. 804394

Engine no. 7B 9411-8

• Converted to competition specification by Trevor Groom

• XK Challenge winner in 2002

• Successful Classic Le Mans participant 2002 and 2006

• Present ownership since 2019

This Jaguar XK140 coupé was converted for competition by Trevor Groom, a highly respected XK specialist, in 2001. Modifications include: 2" SU carburettors; high-compression cylinder head (polished and ported with 1¾" valves); straight-through stainless steel exhaust system; alloy header tank and radiator; four-speed gearbox with overdrive; AVO adjustable shock absorbers; adjustable torsion bars; oil cooler; hydraulic power steering and limited slip differential. In addition, the car has a roll cage; internal fire extinguisher system; bucket seats; and two four-point harness seat belts. Trevor Groom had purchased the XK in January 2001, and it is assumed that he converted the car that year as he raced it in 2002 through to 2007.

This car successfully competed in the Classic Le Mans in 2004 and 2006 and won the XK Challenge in 2002 as well as appearing in many other national and international events. In 2002 the car was track tested by Paul Chudeki for Classic Jaguar World Magzine after its victorious 2002 XK Challenge campaign. The current vendor purchased the car in May 2019. The HTP was issued on the 02/02/2016 and is valid until the 31/12/2026. After being stored for nearly 10 years the car was re-sprayed in 2019. During the last three years a number of niggling mechanical issues have been dealt with by a local Jaguar specialist. These have included fitting a manual choke; reconnecting the fuel gauge; fitting a voltmeter in place of the ammeter; fitting new adjusters to all brakes; re-shimming the drums; overhauling the gearbox linkage; tidying up the wiring in the engine bay; repairing the door locks; re-hanging of doors; rebuilding the boot locking mechanism; and fitting door mirrors.

Finished in grey with red leather interior, the car is described as in good condition in all respects and offered with a UK V5C Registration Certificate and current HTP's.