1956 Jaguar XK140 SE Ghia with Celebrity Pedigree Heads to Mecum Auction
A unique 1956 Jaguar XK140 SE Ghia, one of just four crafted by Carrozzeria Ghia, is set to be auctioned by Mecum Auctions during its Indy 2026 event on May 16. This vehicle was initially delivered to R.W. Martin in La Jolla, California, and has had notable owners, including Tony Award-winning actor Gower Champion and Ricardo Montalbán. In the early 1990s, it became part of Don Williams' Blackhawk Collection, where it was restored and showcased at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in both 1992 and 1996. Having sold for $335,000 at RM Sotheby's Monterey auction in August 2022, it is now in the M Group collection, displaying 59,929 miles and equipped with a 3.4-liter inline-six engine. Mecum estimates its value between $400,000 and $500,000.
Key facts
- One of only four Jaguar XK140 SE Ghia coupes built by Carrozzeria Ghia.
- Owned by actors Ricardo Montalbán and Gower Champion.
- Displayed at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 1992 and 1996.
- Sold at RM Sotheby's Monterey auction in August 2022 for $335,000.
- Part of the M Group collection from Burlington, Washington.
- Shows 59,929 miles on odometer.
- Aluminum body is 220 pounds lighter than standard steel body.
- Engine: 3.4-liter inline-six, 210 hp, top speed 125 mph.
- Offered without reserve at Mecum Auctions Indy 2026 sale on May 16.
- Estimated value range: $400,000 to $500,000.
Entities
Artists
- Ricardo Montalbán
- Gower Champion
- Giovanni Savonuzzi
- Don Williams
Institutions
- Carrozzeria Ghia
- Jaguar
- Mecum Auctions
- RM Sotheby's
- Blackhawk Collection
- Jaguar Heritage Trust
- M Group
Locations
- La Jolla
- California
- Los Angeles
- Danville
- Burlington
- Washington
- Indianapolis
- Monterey