1956 Jaguar XK140 a Beguiling Find at an Upcoming Auction
Impeccable custom classic Jaguar on the docket at Gooding & Company’s upcoming Scottsdale Auction, Jan. 17-18.
Jaguar builds can be one-of-a-kind and remarkable for their performance, inspiration, or the inspiration behind the work. When it comes to this 1956 Jaguar XK140, it is a combination of all these factors. The perfect man behind the perfect Jaguar was John Toom, noted designer for Nissan Design International. The result of his work is the Jaguar XK140 “Aerodyne,” a bespoke build that took our breath away.
Now, the sleek and stunning car is up for auction at Gooding and Company’s upcoming Scottsdale Auction.
Pictures really don’t do the car justice. It is a build born out of pure Jaguar passion, and it shows in all the details.
Toom worked with his daughter Joni for years on the car; handcrafting the steel body which was inspired by French custom pre-war coachwork. His vision started with a Jaguar chassis and drivetrain.
Toom and Joni spent years building the Jaguar in his garage. Sadly, Toom passed away before finalizing the project. But his friend Ronald Kellogg picked up the torch, and the completed Aerodyne was completed and made its debut 2003.
Obviously, the coachwork is an inspired marriage of the 1930s and 1950s. In order to achieve this, Toom employed a number of tricks. The Aerodyne has a 1963 Jaguar XKE engine, 1956 Jaguar XK140 chassis, and four-wheel Jaguar Mark IX disc brakes.
Running on a 3.8L inline 6-cylinder engine, it is mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox; producing 265 HP at 5,500 RPM.
Inside and out, Toom added touches to make it transcendent. There are razor-crested pontoon fenders, fastback tail, and rear fender fairings, chrome trim and more.
Boasting unique badging, there is a tribute to Toom himself in a “Designer and Coachbuilder John C. Toom” badge.
Grey leather in the interior is a perfect choice, and adorns the upholstery, door sills, interior panels, and carpet.
We love this unique vintage synthesis. It recalls the glamour of Jaguar past, and embraces its tech evolution; all with endless style and gravitas!
Now for the bad news, this Jag is estimated to fetch $125,000 – $150,000 at auction. However, if we’re being honest, we think that is a pretty auction fair price for such a unique Jaguar. For more information, or to place a big, check it out at Gooding and Company.
Photos: Gooding & Company
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