Vehicle Description
Following hot on the heels of Jaguar's sensational XK120, the XK140
debuted in 1955 featuring a number of improvements designed to
address customer complaints with the 120. Thankfully, Jaguar was
able to retain the arresting good looks of the original design,
while allowing for more room and better-balanced handling. The
XK140's larger full-width bumpers and thin chrome strips on the
bonnet and boot lids were the first giveaways, however, the most
significant changes came under the skin, with major improvements
made to the handling and braking. A more precise rack and pinion
steering system replaced the 120's worm-and-sector steering box,
and the old-style lever-action dampers were ditched in favor of
modern telescopic dampers. The four-wheel drum brakes were improved
with new lining materials and an upgraded master cylinder. As with
the XK120, customers could choose between a fixed-head coupe (now
with a pair of tiny back seats), a luxurious drophead coupe, or the
sporty and sparse open two-seat roadster. The standard XK140 now
featured the 190 horsepower engine from the XK120 SE, with the
option of upwards of 210 horsepower available with the SE package
and "C-Type" high-flow cylinder head. The XK140 was only in
production for a short period before the heavily revised XK150
replaced it. As a result, fewer than 9,000 were built between
October 1954 and January 1957, making it the rarest of all three
variants of the XK. Today's collectors appreciate the XK140 since
it retains the pure beauty of the XK120 while offering superior
on-road ability and comfort. The 1957 XK140 "OTS" roadster offered
here is a lovely, fully restored, numbers-matching car that is
desirably equipped from new with the Special Equipment package
(also known as the "M" in the US market) and optional C-Type
cylinder head. The included Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust
Certificate shows this to be an original US-spec car, first shipped
on April 16, 1956. With dual exhaust, knock-off wire wheels,
heavier sway bars, and the high-flow cylinder head, the XK140 MC
was the preferred choice for the sporting buyer looking to get the
most out of their Jaguar. This car was subject to a two-year,
body-off restoration beginning in 2005 and it presents in beautiful
condition today. Red paintwork, tan leather upholstery, and chrome
wheels come together with striking effect. Having seen light use
since the restoration, this XK is in outstanding condition today,
with excellent quality finishing and detailing. The two-seat
cockpit is restored using high-quality tan leather, with matching
carpets and boot lining. The quality of the restoration is very
good, and the seats appear taut, showing only light use. The same
leather is repeated on the dash, door cards, and cockpit rails
while a black canvas hood stows behind the seats, along with a set
of matching side curtains. The original four-spoke steering wheel
is retained, along with correct Smiths instrumentation in the
central panel. The boot is fully detailed to correct specs with tan
Hardura vinyl mats and gloss black painted panels. The restored
jack, grease gun and ratcheting jack handle are properly stowed to
the underside of the boot floor. A factory tool roll is also
included, and topping off the presentation is a beautiful set of
custom-fitted, color-keyed luggage made by Taris Charysyn of West
Kill, New York. Lifting the bonnet reveals the original, numbers
matching engine; beautifully detailed to a high standard. The
original C-type cylinder head remains in place, and the engine
features correct hardware and fitting, including the "pancake" air
cleaners and glass washer bottle. Cam covers and carburetor bodies
are highly polished, and porcelain exhaust manifolds are excellent,
with correct brass and chrome hardware used throughout the engine
bay. On the road, this XK140 MC delivers exemplary performance. It
runs strong and feels well-sorted thanks to what appears to be
moderate use since the high-quality restoration was completed. The
undercarriage is tidy and well detailed, generally looking very
clean and representative of a properly restored and well-sorted
car. The iconic XK-series led the way in the American sports car
revolution of the 1950s, and it remains one of the most adored and
iconic of all British sports cars. This excellent example is a
usable, enjoyable car that is a fine choice for rallies and driving
events, with a crisp presentation worthy of casual show.
