Only XK140 to race at Le Mans 1956 makes triumphal return after 60 years

Only XK140 to race at Le Mans 1956 makes triumphal return after 60 years - Le Mans Classic 2016

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Fastest XK140 at Le Mans Classic 2016
Restored and race prepared by Classic Motor Cars (CMC)
The only Jaguar XK 140 FHC to race in the 24hs of Le Mans in 1956 made a triumphal return to the famous circuit after being wrongly disqualified 60 years ago, qualifying as fastest XK140 and finishing 13th at Le Mans Classic on July 8-9-10.
This XK140 was privately entered into the race and driven by Roger Walshaw and Peter Bolton in 1956, but it was erroneously black flagged while running in 11th place and heading for a Top 10 finish with 206 laps.
The car was recently restored and race prepared by world-leading restorers and Jaguar specialists Classic Motor Cars of Bridgnorth (CMC). Current owner Mr. Peter Neumark with the legendary driver Willie Green took it back to Le Mans Classic for its first outing.
It competed in the Grid 2 class for cars manufactured between 1949 and 1956, finishing 13th out of 76 cars and competing against C-Types, D-Types and other bigger-engined cars - it even matched the original performance making it to 11th place at one point. The XK was also invited to the Jaguar Classic Challenge, qualifying as the fastest XK140.
Peter Neumark said: “After being cruelly and wrongfully black flagged in 1956, the ACO offered the team a free entry for the following year’s race. It was a scant recompense for what would have been at least a top ten finish, but the car never returned until now. It was a privilege to restore this XK140, take it back to Le Mans and race it alongside Willie Green to 13th place.”
Willie Green said: “This is the best XK I have ever driven.”
Nick Goldthorp, Managing Director of CMC, said: “The car has been completely restored from the chassis up, covering every nut and bolt, and saving as much of the original vehicle as possible due to its prominent racing pedigree. It was great to see the car driven at such an iconic circuit and performing as good as it did - this is a testament to the skills and dedication of everyone at CMC.”
Credits for the video: Savh.
www.classic-motor-cars.co.uk