1957 Jaguar XK 140 OTS

A Jaguar, a Dream, and a Few White Castle Burgers Later...

Some collectors wait years for the perfect car to come along. Felix is one of them.

Every night for five years, he scoured listings on Hemmings, hunting for the British beauty that would take a spot alongside his beloved 1955 MG TF1500.

Then, at 4 a.m. on October 4, 2021, there it was: a pristine 1957 Jaguar XK140 MC in British Racing Green with a biscuit interior. He reached out to Jack Frost Auto Museum through our website and, within the hour, heard back from Russ. A few days and one unforgettable White Castle lunch later, Felix was on his way to Campground Road to finalize the purchase, with a childhood dream now within reach.

Ultimately, for Felix, the real journey was just beginning.

A Classic, Reimagined

Felix’s vision for the Jaguar was clear: return it to its original Triple Black glory—black exterior, black interior, black top. The restoration began in earnest in January 2022, and with each passing week, new photos, progress updates, and a deeper bond with the restoration team emerged.

As the Jaguar was disassembled, Felix and the team took the opportunity to go beyond cosmetic changes, upgrading components for safety and drivability without compromising its classic appeal:

Modern Tremec 5-speed transmission
Front disc brakes and dual master cylinder
LED lighting upgrades
Suspension overhauls and new bushings
Black porcelain exhaust manifolds
Seat belts, of course – because it’s still 2025

Then came the paint: PPG DBU 9700, as close to Vantablack as the law allows – glossy, deep, and absolutely show-stopping.

Detroit Debut and First Place Finish

In a race against time, the car was reassembled in under three weeks to debut at the 2024 Detroit Autorama. The result? First place in its class—a well-deserved win for both Felix and the restoration team.

More than the trophy, though, it’s the relationships forged along the way that have meant the most.

“There’s no other feeling like having your family restore your classic,” Felix says. “Russ and Dale are family now—and yes, we still eat White Castle burgers at every visit.”

Passing the Torch (and the Wrench)

Felix’s daughter Stephanie interned with the Jack Frost team earlier this summer. She’s spent her time learning the ropes—cutting, welding, and grinding her way into the world of classic cars, one bolt at a time.

Stephanie in the Shop

Currently a Robotics Engineering student at Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a minor in Mechanical Engineering, Stephanie was drawn to the opportunity after taking an auto shop class in high school.

“Since I’m majoring in Robotics Engineering, I wanted a hands-on role I might not get again after graduation,” she said. “I love seeing something come back to life—and this place is perfect for that.”

Her internship included everything from pneumatic tool work to learning the trade secrets of restoration. But more than anything, it’s the people who’ve made an impression.

“My favorite part has been working with the different technicians—learning from their experiences, picking their brains, and being part of the team.”

Stephanie is now seriously considering how automotive insights and hands-on problem-solving can enhance her future career goals, which include developing robotics for surgery, manufacturing, and beyond.

While she shares her father’s appreciation for collector cars, she admits her dream car leans more toward practicality, with a soft spot for the design of Lincoln models, both classic and modern.

What’s Next for Felix?

Felix now owns three Triple Black gems:

1955 MG TF1500
1957 Jaguar XK140 MC
2004 Porsche Turbo Cabriolet

But he’s not done yet.

Retirement plans? Hang up the stethoscope, pick up a wrench, and join the team at Jack Frost Auto Museum – Class of 2032, perhaps?

Until then, he has one more milestone in mind: getting the Jaguar out to California and finally cruising down Highway 1.

And for his Jack Frost Auto Museum Family?

This is what happens when your team gets a little too attached to a project!

Watching this beauty leave our shop is not easy. After years of careful restoration, endless attention to detail, countless hours of craftsmanship and white castle burgers, saying goodbye feels like sending a child off to college.

Our crew chasing after Felix’s project perfectly captures what we’re all about – we don’t just restore pieces, we pour our hearts into bringing them back to life. The pride, the passion, the “wait, come back!” moment when our work is complete.

But here’s the thing about restoration work – it’s not just about the pieces, it’s about the people. Felix and his family didn’t just hand us a project; they became part of our family. Every restoration tells a story, and we get to be part of that story alongside the amazing people like Felix who trust us with their treasures.

This is what happens when automotive restoration isn’t just a job, it’s a passion.