Vehicle Description
When Jaguar first showed its XK 120 OTS (open two seater) at the
1948 London Motor Show, the automotive world was stunned. The
William Lyons-influenced coachwork was so swoopy it was positively
indecent. The startling new sports car was powered by a thoroughly
modern 3.4-liter double-overhead camshaft straight-six rated at 160
horsepower and had been clocked at 120 miles per hour-hence the XK
120 designation. The Jaguar's looks and performance more than
offset its 3,000 pound weight and the fact that the rear suspension
was by an old-fashioned live rear axle and leaf springs. Replacing
the XK-120 in late 1954, the XK-140 retained the basic formula of
mating the DOHC 3.4 liter straight-six with a conventional chassis,
torsion bar front suspension, and solid rear axle, although
rack-and-pinion steering was a welcome addition. With the XK-140,
Jaguar made it clear that it was listening to its customers, by
addressing the issues of cockpit space, steering feel, and overall
refinement. Thankfully, the newest XK retained the swoopy good
looks of its predecessor but used more robust front and rear
bumpers and a revised cast grille, which made a lot of sense for a
car destined to do battle with huge chrome-laden cars on the
streets of America. Although the 140 was heavier than the 120, an
extra 30 extra horsepower boosted horsepower to 190bhp and ensured
that performance didn't suffer. Like the XK-120 before it, the 140
was available in three body styles: Open Two Seater, Drophead
Coupe, and Fixed Head Coupe. Standard specifications for the new
Jaguar sports car called for steel wheels with chrome hubcaps
accented with the body color. Steel wheel cars featured striking
rear fender skirts, although they weren't used if the optional
painted or chrome wire wheels were fitted. A high performance
Special Equipment version-also known as the XK-140MC-was also
available. The most important difference was a 210bhp version of
the 3.4-liter engine using the straight-port cylinder head from the
C-Type sports racing car, two-inch SU carburetors, and dual
exhaust. The special equipment package also included heavier
torsion bars and wire wheels. This beautifully restored early
Jaguar XK-140MC is finished in its original factory color of Pastel
Blue and is trimmed in dark blue piped in gray, with blue carpets
and top, all matching factory records provided by the Jaguar
Daimler Heritage Trust. This car was delivered new to California,
and spent most of its life in the West. It left the works equipped
with the desirable Special Equipment (MC) package, including the
high-performance C-Type cylinder head and Laycock de Normanville
overdrive. After spending much of its life on the west coast, the
XK-140 was treated to a ground up, nut-and-bolt restoration,
completed in the 1990s. Photos on file show the level of detail
given to every aspect of the car. Both the blue side curtains and
the correct tool kit were restored, and the car was detailed to
JCNA Concours standards. Fitted with chrome wire wheels and
auxiliary Lucas lamps, this pale blue Jaguar is a truly beautiful
car in a rarely-seen color. The cabin features beautiful dark blue
leather, with correct switchgear and instrumentation on the dash.
Under bonnet detailing is excellent, and the car features a
period-correct 3.4-litre engine and C-Type head. The efforts of the
previous owner and restorer were rewarded with a first prize at the
Santa Barbara Concours d'Elegance, followed by top prizes and a
99.7 point score at the JCNA Concours in Sacramento, and a National
Concours Class Championship award. As it now sits, this XK-140 is
ready to be shown or driven, with a handsome character to the
gently mellowed restoration. It runs and drives extremely well,
feeling exceptionally well-sorted and dialed-in thanks to years of
meticulous care and maintenance. Beautifully presented in a
gorgeous livery, this highly desirable Jaguar is certain to be a
go-to in your collection. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7534-1955-jaguar-xk140mc-roadster/
