Book now available describing this exciting project
Stephen has frequently been motoring past the same field on business trips between his home in Kingston and Ottawa the nation’s capital – each time looking at a familiar automotive shape peering out from the weeds between the trees. Read how he excavated a historic 1955 Jaguar XK 140 which had become a veritable “Field Planter” and turned it into the Kingston Jaguar Special. Over an eighteen month period 817692 was stripped down to the chassis and completely rebuilt using the original Jaguar components including “Miss Slimline Inline” – the original XK 140 3.4 litre motor and the original “Moss” gearbox and drive train. The build program was not a linear experience and Stephen frequently found himself assembling brakes, drilling the chassis, shopping for Grade Eight fasteners and ordering parts from suppliers – on the same day and in the process discovering that home-building is quite different from an assembly line where widgets are patiently waiting to be assigned their place on the car. Still gainfully self-employed Stephen describes a typical day in his garage, bolting on springs and taking business calls, while speaking to his 91 year old mother in the UK courtesy of Steve Jobs Facetime. The project was ambitious, but with perseverance and a good dose of characteristic impatience, 817692 gradually emerged into her new life of romance and intrigue. This was an unforgettable experience for the family and a rare “how-to” book for the Jaguar enthusiast.
These images represent a journey – destination The Kingston Jaguar
(Click on any image for a closer peek)
We found 817692 with weeds and assorted wildlife inhabiting her 
Disassembling 817692 took longer than I thought & was full of surprises 
Many of the components were rust-welded and refused to yield 
Castle nuts were aggravating to remove – often taking three hours each 
In places the chassis was the consistency of an “after eight” mint 
Supplies arriving at Tom and Geri’s farm and my paint shop
Front suspension – Ulla the Volvo brings the rebuilt chassis home 
Rear suspension went on backwards until we got the hang of it
Rear springs are similar to those on Robin Hood’s Bullock cart
Wheels mounted – Miss Inline Slimline installed – Helene takes a drive 
Twin 1 3/4 inch Skinner Union Carburetors
Interesting potential to incorporate the XK 140 Grill
New Alternator – waiting for adjustment bracket – Headers first fitting
Oversize nuts Helene goes for a spin Pulley attached
All three pulleys – front bulkhead fabricated and try-for -size fitting
Front (Nose cone) Bulkhead and Firewall Bulkhead – initial fabrication
THE TALENTED BUILD CREW WHO HELPED BIRTH THE KINGSTON JAGUAR
Jacob SInclair “Professor” Marc Claeg
Joe Bernard and the chassis
SOME OF THE JAGUAR SPECIALS WHICH WE HAVE DISCOVERED
The Kingston Jaguar Special – Canada
Alfriston Jaguar Special – New Zealand
Alfriston Jaguar Special – New Zealand
Omega Jaguar Special – USA
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Rixon Bucknall Jaguar – Australia
Freddie Owen Jaguar Special
The Dunsmore Jaguar Special – UK
Walt Hansgen/Bob Millstein Jaguar Special
The Parkinson Jaguar Special
