A relatively early XK140 Roadster, JHS 303 was completed in June 1955 and distributed through Ritchies of Glasgow to original supplying dealer C H Bull & Sons, Bridge of Weir.

In the early 1970s it was bought by Jim Woodley, an early exponent of the historic racing movement. Jim had numerous historic cars, including a Cooper Climax and Lotus 17. As soon as he bought the XK140 he set about uprating it for competition, fitting a 3.8S specification engine and disk brakes. It seems that much of the work was completed by Jim Tester up in Scotland. By May 1977 Woodley was out racing, the first record being at the AMOC meeting at Brands Hatch.

There are numerous magazine and newspaper cuttings covering their adventures together, as well as correspondence in the multiple files. Throughout the 1990s Woodley and the XK140 travelled all over Europe having various motorsport related adventures together. In 1990 they won the BARC Beaujolais Challenge, “recording a distance of 434 miles with the roof down all the way”. The Manx Classic was another favoured destination.

After what seems like a life well lived, Woodley treated the XK140 to a restoration, which included a full strip down to the chassis and repaint. We suspect that it was at this point that the car was returned to a period correct 3.4 XK140 engine and became more of a road car for him.

Pendine bought the car from Jim Woodley’s estate in February 2020, recommissioning it after a period of inaction, and the current owner bought it soon after. He has enjoyed the car on the road, sparingly, since then and under his ownership had it completely repainted.

With a pedal box conversation it’s an exceptionally comfortable driving position, and comes with three large history files and a current FIVA document. It’s a lovely driving example of the XK140 Roadster, and we would say perfect for the enthusiast owner to go and enjoy international events in.