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XK140's First Show at the Louisville British Bash and JCNA Concours
Photos and story By Phil Taxman, JAGSL
I purchased the 1957 XK140 SE/MC OTS about a year ago, along with my 1954 XK120 SE OTS. The XK140 was a great restoration candidate, as it had all matching numbers, was totally complete, a low mileage car, and very little rust or body damage. Le Stable started on the ground up restoration with the expectation of having it completed for the 2010 Concours season. Everything went pretty much as planned, with the XK140 being finished June 1st. So, I looked for the first show available and found the Louisville JCNA Concours, which was being held in conjunction with the British Bash. The British Bash is an all British Car Show that raises money for the St. Joseph's Children's Home.
Two registrations were required; a $30 entry fee for the JCNA show and a $17.50 entry for the British Bash. Both shows are held on Saturday on the front grounds of St. Joseph's. It's a wonderful setting with large shade trees and meticulously set up. The event begins Friday night with a Fish Fry and then the shows on Saturday. Neither organization has an awards dinner and all trophies are presented around 4:30 pm Saturday. There were all the British cars you would expect to see: Triumphs, MGs, Sunbeams, Jaguars, Jensens, and quite a few AC Cobras. I estimate that there were 300 cars on the field. They had ice cream vendors as well as food trucks selling corn dogs and all types of sandwiches. Although the weather reports had predicted rain, the day was clear and quite comfortable. More people should consider attending these shows in the future. It's an easy drive up there and quite inexpensive. About a 5 hour drive each way with a long stop.
The Louisville Jaguar Drivers Club had about 25 cars entered for judging and there were about 45 Jaguars on the field. JAGSL members in attendance included myself with the XK140, Tom Loew with his XJS, Andy Mino with is XJ and Ken McDade with his XK8. Old JAGSL friends were in attendance as well included John & Achsah Stremsterfer with their XK8 coupe and the entire McDonald clan with their XJ8. All of the above went home with trophies.
(Editor's note: Phil's 140 won Class C3 with a score of 99.99 at Louisville, Andy Mino scored 99.89 for a win in class C12 with his red 85 XJ6, Ken and Kathy McDade scored 99.90 in their 97 XK8 class C16A, Tom Loew's green 92 XJS convertable scored 9.983 in class D08B, John & Achsa Stremsterfer: 97.97/Class C16A/2001 XKR coupe, The McDonalds: 99.98/C14/Blue 2004 XJ8.)
The XK140 is red with chrome wire wheels, black top, and a black interior with red piping. It has dual exhaust and overdrive. It was my first opportunity to polish up the body and work on the engine compartment. The response from everyone was excellent and the XK140 came in 1st in its class in the British Bash and 1st in class in JCNA with a score of 99.99. In July, I plan on going to the Chicago JCNA show and then possibly Milwaukee in August. And of course, I will show it at our Concours in October. Bonjour did a great job on the XK140 and it shows.
Some photos taken during the restoration:
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