Looking for some advice or opinions. I have a Moss four-speed plus overdrive transmission from my 1956 XK140 MC DHC. I believe this (original to the car, matching numbers) gearbox and overdrive unit were rebuilt when the car was restored in the early 2000's (I have to go thru the extensive paperwork to verify the rebuild). When the previous (to me) owner purchased the car in 2005, he had a Tremec T5 installed. When I bought the car last year, the Moss box was delivered still in crate. Should I put the gearbox and overdrive up for sale? I have no intention of putting it back in the car, as I am very happy with the five-speed (I do miss the Moss gear whine though!). Or should I retain it and sell it with the car, down the road in 10-15 years. Thanks!

 

If it were me I'd sell it. I can't see the attraction of a car with this gearbox, but I suppose it maintains originality which seems so important for the "concours d'elegance" cars

 

Just finished the restoration of my 140 and upgraded to the Tremec. Told the restorer to dump the Moss. Not restored to absolute concours condition and I'm not a show guy and drive my cars, so I don't care (my son will have to sell the car someday!). Watching the BaT auctions, having the old gearbox might be worth a few thousand dollars to a buyer who is a show/concours guy.

 

You can't see the attraction of the original gearbox in a vintage classic car???? Then WHY would you want to own one? Why not install power steering, power windows, air conditioning, GPS, etc? Part of the thrill of these cars is the ORIGINAL driving experience. I've owned my 120 for 60 years and would NEVER switch to modern crap. I have over 55,000 miles on it now and drive it like I stole it. Buy yourself a new Toyota, you sound like you don't deserve a vintage car.

 

Maybe a good point, but I've had it both ways (and continue to with some other vintage cars), and I don't find certain upgrades to diminish at all the classic driving experience. They do mean you're not crunching through worn (or no) synchros, or stopping the vehicle at speed safely in traffic with your 78 year-old wife on board, or overheating while sitting in So Cal traffic.

 

My apologies for intervening. as I don't have an XK
I did have an XK120 60 years ago. I paid $200 Australian dollars for it and sorted it out, repainted it and sold it for $500 which went into my gaining a commercial pilot licence. I'd like to have it now!
There are a few points of view when it comes to these older cars.
There is a group which demands absolute originality including matching numbers. They are welcome to this however in my experience most of these cars tend to be showroom and concourse glamour queens and not regular drivers.
The other group tend to use their cars more frequently and are aware of the problems of handling them in modern traffic. Consequently some modifications are reasonable in order to meet this need.
Keeping the Moss gearbox available for the next owner is a reasonable concept provided you have the space to store it.
Having driven Jags with Moss boxes since 1961. I know about the lure of a better gear box and my current 1960 MK2 has a later model ex 1967 all syncro overdrive box. Much better for working in traffic.
Cheers

 

My inclination is to stick it in a corner out of the way. You can always sell it later if you need to, but once its gone its gone. The next owner may not care either, but if it were me I'd appreciate getting the original box with the car, even if a more usable one is installed in it.