Vehicle Description
When the XK120 was introduced in 1949, it set new performance and
style standards at a surprisingly affordable price point. The
follow-up to the 120 arrived in 1954, dubbed the XK140, and offered
numerous improvements to address the shortcomings of the early
models. With the 140, Jaguar endowed their flagship sportscar with
rack and pinion steering, improved braking ability, telescopic
dampers, and increased suspension travel. The engine was relocated
in the chassis, and the cockpit enlarged for more passenger
comfort, while the styling got a subtle freshening with full-width
bumpers, a slightly wider grille, and additional chrome trim. All
in all, the XK140 was a superb driver's car that took the XK
formula to a new level, with high levels of refinement and the same
gutsy performance that Jaguar enthusiasts know and love today.
Superb in every respect, this outstanding XK140 is a rare and
desirable drophead coupe, equipped from new in high-performance MC
specification. The accompanying Jaguar-Daimler Heritage Trust
certificate shows this XK140 was completed on March 26, 1956,
destined for the USA via Jaguar Cars, New York. It was finished in
cream over black trim and a black hood and delivered to its first
owner, Mr. John Reid Topping in Clearwater, Florida. The production
records confirm this is a genuine MC equipped with the optional
close-ratio gearbox, an unusual combination of the more
luxury-oriented drophead coupe. Little is known of the car's early
history, though it wound up in the Northeast by the early 1970s.
The most recent owner discovered this XK in somewhat tired
condition in 1974 and immediately fell in love with its beautiful
shape. Scraping together the funds with help from her mother, she
purchased it and brought it to her family's barn, where it sat
virtually untouched and undriven from 1974 to 2017. Finally, after
years quietly tucked away, the owner of this XK140 treated it to
the restoration it rightfully deserved. By the time the restoration
commenced, the owner was an experienced concours judge at
prestigious events around the country, and used that experience to
guide the project. They commissioned Phoenix Auto Restorations of
Hackettstown, NJ, to perform a nut-and-bolt, body-off restoration
finished to concours standards. The owner selected a stunning
period-correct color combination of British Racing Green with
complementing green hides. Finishing it off is a dark green canvas
hood, matching green boot cover, and sparkling chrome wire wheels
for a final flourish. The results are nothing short of spectacular,
with concours-quality paintwork, gorgeous chrome, and superlative
detailing inside and out. The interior is beautifully finished in
green leather with matching carpets. The seat upholstery is taut
and crisp, showing minimal signs of use since completion of the
restoration. Door cards, seatbacks, and interior panels are trimmed
using factory-correct materials. Extensive burl woodwork sets the
drophead coupe apart from its sportier roadster sibling, all
restored to a very high standard. The Smiths instruments and Lucas
switchgear are correct, as is the distinctive four-spoke steering
wheel. The boot is well detailed and trimmed using authentic
Hardura vinyl material and houses a beautifully restored jack, jack
handle, grease gun, knock-off hammer, and an original tool kit. Per
the Heritage Certificate, this car retains its original,
matching-numbers 3.4-liter block and highly desirable C-Type
cylinder head, which bumps output to a factory-rated 210
horsepower. Combined with the optional close-ratio 4-speed manual
gearbox, this XK140 delivers the performance to match its sublime
looks. In keeping with the restoration's quality, the engine is
exquisitely detailed, with beautifully polished alloy cam covers,
carburetor dashpots, and intake manifold. The exhaust manifolds are
finished in proper black porcelain enamel and in excellent
condition, affixed with the correct brass nuts. The head is painted
the proper shade of red, while the plumbing, wiring, fasteners, and
hardware are all fitted to factory-correct standards throughout the
engine compartment. The brass ID tag was replaced with an accurate
reproduction, though the original piece is included in the sale.
Now offered to the public for the first time in over 40 years, this
exquisitely restored and desirable XK140 MC is sure to capture the
gaze of any Jaguar devotee. It is ideal for enjoyment judged JCNA
events or a wide range of concours, and it will undoubtedly be a
welcome addition to any enthusiast's stable. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6828-1956-jaguar-xk140-mc-drophead/
