Vehicle Description
Jaguar chose an evolutionary approach when replacing its
groundbreaking XK120. It was, after all, the car that truly
established Jaguar as a mainstream manufacturer and one that
spurred a sports car revolution in Europe and America, so there
wasn't much that needed to be altered. When the XK 120 first hit
the streets in 1948 it was the first proper sports car from Jaguar
since the pre-war SS100. Seemingly from nowhere, this exotic and
beautiful automobile offered astounding performance from its 160
horsepower twin-overhead cam inline six cylinder engine, all for
less than $4,000. While the list price was not exactly cheap, it
was often far below its competitors and offered much greater
performance for the money. The standard XK120 was followed up with
"M" and "MC" versions (Modified and Modified, C-Type head) also
known as SE in other markets. These high performance variants
boosted horsepower from the standard 160 bhp to 180 bhp and 210 bhp
respectively. The XK120 proved popular among American servicemen
who had caught the sports car bug while serving in Europe in the
early post-war years and became a fixture of the early days of
American road racing, cementing Jaguar's reputation as a premier
sports car manufacturer. Rather than mess with a good thing, Jaguar
made numerous refinements to create the new XK140. The same
beautiful lines were retained, with subtle refinements to the
bumpers and body trim. The engine was moved forward by three inches
to address complaints of cramped accommodations and the standard
engine was now the 190 horsepower version of the 3.4 liter inline
six, with the return of the MC option and its 210 horsepower
output. Straight line performance was about the same as the XK120,
but the road holding had been vastly improved thanks to the
addition of rack and pinion steering, telescopic dampers, larger
brakes and additional suspension travel. These improvements made
the XK 140 more comfortable, predictable and enjoyable to drive. As
with the XK120 before, the OTS roadster (open two-seater) remains
the most desirable with collectors and enthusiasts, thanks to its
clean, uncluttered look and raw, exciting performance. This
beautiful XK140 OTS is a highly desirable "MC" model, equipped from
new with dual exhausts, wire wheels and the free-breathing C-Type
cylinder head. A numbers-matching example, this car was sold new on
February 18th 1956 to Harold Hagy of Arlington Virginia for $3,552.
A copy of the original sales invoice from Henry Miller Motors, Inc
of Washington, DC lists the ID number of S811154DN. The "S" prefix
indicates this as a special equipment model and the "DN" suffix
shows it was factory equipped with the Laycock de Normanville
electric overdrive unit. Photos of the car prior to restoration
show it was delivered in what appears to be Mist Gray over a tan
interior with a fawn top. Mr. Hagy lovingly cared for the XK140 in
his time with it, amassing fewer than 20,000 miles in his 34 year
tenure. In 1990, Harold Hagy sold his treasured XK140 to Richard E.
Williams, a veteran car collector and enthusiast known for his
extensive collection of early Fords. Correspondence in the history
file shows the car had just 19,640 original miles when Mr. Williams
acquired it. Photos taken in 1990 show it to be in very tidy and
straight condition, though the original paint was described as
being tired. Mr. Williams subsequently had the car repainted in a
very attractive shade of British Racing Green and restored the tan
leather interior. Chrome wire wheels were fitted and the car was
mechanically sorted and extensively detailed. It was enjoyed by
Richard Williams until his passing, when ownership was transferred
to his son Charles, of Darien, CT. Charles would continue to care
for and enjoy the Jaguar for several more years before it passed to
its most recent owner, an avid collector of significant Jaguar
cars. Currently showing only 27,040 miles, the XK140 remains in
truly outstanding condition. The body is in fine order with very
good panel alignment and lovely paintwork. It has been
exceptionally well maintained and detailed to a very high standard
by its most recent owner. It retains its original matching-numbers
engine and C-Type cylinder head. It is also still equipped as it
was when new with the Laycock de Normanville overdrive unit. The
interior was restored in conjunction with the body, and it remains
in very fine order with supple Biscuit leather seats that show
light creasing and present with a pleasing, inviting character.
Original instruments and switches remain in place, as well as the
factory supplied tools, jack, and grease gun. Unlike the more posh
drophead coupe, the OTS featured a simple disappearing soft top
with removable side curtains. This car's Stayfast canvas top is
excellent, and the side curtains have been recently restored. The
sliding Perspex side windows are still covered in their protective
paper, so they are fresh and free from scuffs. The 3.4 liter inline
six is exquisitely detailed, with the correct bright red cylinder
head paint that was unique to the C-Type engines. An electric
power-assisted steering system has been discreetly integrated into
the column, which takes the effort out of low-speed maneuvering but
maintains the excellent steering feel once underway. In addition, a
slightly smaller diameter steering wheel is fitted for greater
comfort and improved driver access. The original wheel will be
included. Well-equipped with numerous desirable options and with
documented 3-owner history, this sorted and beautifully presented
XK140 MC is ready to enjoy on tours, rallies or in local concours
events.