Vehicle Description
As the time came for Jaguar to replace the XK120, Sir William Lyons
and his team of designers wisely took an evolutionary approach to
the new car. The XK120 established Jaguar's place in North America
and spurred on Britain's dominance in the high-performance sports
car segment, so there was little incentive to mess with success.
The majority of the XK140's refinements addressed customer
complaints about comfort and drivability from the previous model.
Engineers moved the engine forward by three inches to allow for
improved legroom in the cockpit. The 190 horsepower version of the
3.4-liter inline-six from the XK120 M now served as the standard
engine, with the optional C-Type cylinder head boosting output to
210 horsepower. Straight-line performance was about the same as the
XK120, but road-holding vastly improved thanks to the addition of
more precise rack and pinion steering, telescopic dampers, larger
brakes, and better suspension travel. The beautiful looks remain
virtually the same, except for some subtle refinements to the
bumpers, a slightly wider grille, and additional body trim. These
improvements made the XK140 more comfortable, predictable, and
enjoyable to drive regularly, while still offering the thrilling
performance that made the XK120 such a legend. This beautiful 1956
XK140 Open Two-Seat Roadster is a highly desirable "MC" model
equipped from new with dual exhausts, wire wheels, and the
free-breathing C-Type cylinder head. According to the original
invoice from Henry Miller Motors Inc of Washington, DC, this car
was sold new on February 18th, 1956, to Harold Hagy of Arlington,
Virginia, for $3,552. The "S" prefix on the serial number indicates
this as a Special Equipment model, and the "DN" suffix shows it
came equipped from new with the Laycock de Normanville electric
overdrive unit. Mr. Hagy lovingly cared for the XK140 for 34 years,
amassing fewer than 20,000 miles during his 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 somewhat tired. Mr. Williams
subsequently had the car repainted in a lovely shade of British
Racing Green and restored the interior using tan leather. He also
fitted chrome wire wheels and had the car mechanically sorted and
detailed. Richard Williams enjoyed the XK until his passing, when
ownership transferred to his son Charles, of Darien, CT. Charles
continued to care for and enjoy the Jaguar for several more years
before selling it to an avid collector of significant Jaguar cars.
Currently showing very low miles, the XK140 remains in outstanding
condition. The body exhibits proper alignment and lovely paintwork,
and it benefits from cost-no-object maintenance while in the hands
of its previous owner. It retains its original matching-numbers
engine and C-Type cylinder head, and the four-speed gearbox with
the Laycock de Normanville overdrive unit. The restored interior is
in excellent order with supple Biscuit leather seats that show
light creasing 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
luxurious drophead coupe with roll-up side glass and a lined roof,
the OTS offers a simple disappearing soft top and removable side
curtains. This car's Stayfast canvas top is excellent, and the side
curtains are restored. The 3.4-liter inline-six is exquisitely
detailed, with the correct bright red cylinder head paint reserved
for the C-Type engines. A discreet electric power-assisted steering
system is integrated into the column, taking the effort out of
low-speed maneuvering while maintaining excellent steering feel
once underway. It is a superb system that works beautifully, and
you forget it's there after a few miles. Also, a slightly smaller
diameter steering wheel offers greater comfort and improved driver
access without sacrificing the car's authenticity. Well-equipped
with numerous desirable options and with documented ownership
history, this well-sorted and beautiful XK140 MC is prime for
enjoyment on a host of driver-focused motoring events or in club
level shows and concours. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6669-1956-jaguar-xk140-roadster/
