2022-08-30 12:27:30 | pauls writes:

Car offered at Hemmings:

www.hemmings.com/auction/1956-jaguar-xk140-210624

Auction description:

The "Green Monster": 1956 Jaguar XK140 Race Car

Current Bid $7,777 Reserve not met

Time Left 9 days 4 hours

Est. End Date Thursday, Sep 8th, 1:45pm

Number of Bids 5

VIN S-813120

Odometer N/A

Engine 3.8-liter DOHC inline-six

Transmission

Manual

Exterior Color Green

Interior Black composite racing seat, sheetmetal

Seller Private

The seller states that he acquired the car in 2018, after it was previously owned by the same family for 45 years. According to the seller, this 1956 Jaguar XK140 was raced very competitively in SCCA D-Production, and later GT-3, from the 1970s to 1984 by Bob Smiley and Long Island’s Scudder Mews Racing, becoming somewhat legendary and remaining with the family until 2018. The seller undertook a number of updates and freshening as detailed in the description following, but notes that the car has not been on track since 1984, although it is “essentially race ready.” An SCCA Logbook and a substantial scrapbook detailing the Jaguar’s racing history and media coverage will also be provided, writes the seller.

POWERTRAIN

The engine that originally powered the XK140 was Jaguar’s legendary XK 3.4-liter DOHC inline-six with two SU H6 carburetors, rated by the manufacturer at 190 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque when new. The specifications provided with this example, as-raced, describe an overbored 3.8-liter XK engine with three 2-inch SU carburetors, a dry sump oil system, and competition exhausts. According to the seller, the engine was freshened in 1989 but never raced again. All belts and hoses have been more recently replaced. No issues or power figures are reported. Cold starts are made by “pulling the choke and retarding the distributor” in the seller’s words, with no smoke. No leaks or weeps are reported. The four-speed manual transmission is said to “shift smoothly.” Observation of the photos provided in the Gallery show the cylinder head with later cam covers, suggesting other upgrades. All modifications are said to be compliant with SCCA racing regulations, bringing the car’s top speed for racing to over 150 mph according to the seller.

EXTERIOR

The seller states that the body has always been rust free and was last painted in the 1970s in a distinctive shade of green that led to the car’s widespread nickname of the “Green Monster.” The paint condition is described as “fair,” with numerous blemishes attributed to the age and authenticity of this notable XK140 race car, which presents in as-raced condition. Racing modifications included removing all window glass, installing a sturdy roll bar and a single racing mirror, locating a tow hook under the front of the car and placement of a fuel cell in the trunk. Only the brake lights are operational, per SCCA requirements.

INTERIOR

The stripped interior also presents as-raced. The plain sheet metal dash panel includes a large tachometer with gauges for oil pressure and temperature, water temperature, fuel, toggle switches for the tank, fuel pump, electronic ignition, choke pull, and a starter button. Metal braided fuel lines and fittings run through the cockpit, between the fuel cell and engine. The seat is an SCCA-approved composite, with FIA belts (that may need to be updated, per the seller) and a fire suppression system that can be seen mounted on the floor to the right of the seat. Dash plaques recognize a 1980 D-Production Championship in the North Atlantic Road Racing Series and a 1982 SCCA Nationals Winner.

CHASSIS

The seller notes suspension service was undertaken in 2020, with only tuning required. The steering is said to have some play. The shocks and bushings are all described as “excellent,” with no defects or leaks. All modifications are, once again, compliant with SCCA regulations, including the four-wheel disc brakes and a new competition exhaust system. New brake calipers and hoses were installed by White Post Restorations. Substantial bracing connects the roll bar to the chassis and protects the ATL fuel cell located in the trunk. The fuel cell has also been serviced with new foam and hoses, as well as new fuel pumps. Photos of the undercarriage appear to show it as clean and well maintained. The Coker steel wheels and 175/70 HR15 Vredstein Sport Classic tires were new in 2020, according to the seller.

DOCUMENTATION

As New York does not issue titles for vehicles of this age, the seller states that this vehicle will be sold on the proper document in his name for transfer of ownership. The SCCA Logbook #65-119 Continuation and “substantial racing history, maintenance documentation and provenance” will also be passed along to the buyer. The seller states that after updating the car to race and being set back by the pandemic, he no longer wishes to race it with his increasing age.

Bob Smiley and the #56 1956 Jaguar XK140 appear to have created a considerable legacy, racing primarily at Lime Rock Park, Bridgehampton, and Northeast SCCA Regional and National events. A period observer wrote, many years later: “Discussion brought back the memory of Bob Smiley and the ‘Green Monster,’ as even the announcers, magazines and TV always called the car. Every time the car showed up, everyone just stopped talking. (This was) a 30+ year old car built up, campaigned, and driven in D-Production by a high school history teacher and kicking everyone’s butts, often all the way up through C-Production, B-Production, and sometimes contesting A-Production cars. Bob Smiley’s run in SCCA, with an ancient car, was a phenomenal achievement—with no real sponsors either. Bob was a really nice guy.”