Vehicle Description
The Jaguar XK140 was introduced in September 1954 for the 1955
model year, building on the positive attributes of the XK120, but
with notable improvements. Rack and pinion steering, a more
spacious cabin, full-width front, and rear bumpers, improved
braking, telescopic shock absorbers, and flashing turn signals were
all new with the XK140. Aside from the larger bumpers, visual cues
included a subtly revised grille and bonnet and boot lids adorned
with a central chrome strip running fore and aft with a rear emblem
that proudly declared "Winner Le Mans 1951-3. Powering the XK140
was a 3.4-litre double overhead-cam inline six-cylinder first seen
in the XK120. Manual transmissions were standard, but an automatic
was available for the first time with the 1956 model year. Special
Equipment modifications carried over from the XK120 elevated the
output on standard models to 190 horsepower while opting for the
C-Type cylinder head yielded 210 horsepower. The XK140 boasted
impressive performance, with zero to sixty coming in 8.4 seconds,
on the way to a 121 mile per hour top speed. As the majority of
XK140s were exported, most were built as left-hand drive, with an
overwhelming majority coming to the critical North American market.
Most 140s to arrive on our shores were fitted with optional wire
wheels, but those equipped with the standard disc wheels featured
elegant fender skirts over the rear wheel opening that highlighted
the car's slick, aerodynamic form. Originally finished in Pastel
Blue over a Duo Blue interior and French Grey hood, this XK140
Drophead Coupe was constructed July 3rd, 1956, and was dispatched
to Jaguar Cars in New York, New York, on July 27th, 1956. It is one
of just a handful of XK140s equipped with the optional Borg-Warner
gearbox, and it is presented with an older restoration that has
been well-maintained and remains quite attractive. The body is
finished in a lovely shade of warm grey and displays good quality
finishing with consistent panel gaps throughout. The replated
chrome bumpers and exterior brightwork are in excellent order.
Factory steel disc wheels are color-keyed to the body and adorned
with polished trim rings and correct Jaguar caps. The cabin of this
XK140 is in fine nick, with Navy Blue leather showing light patina,
the result of consistent use and care. The blue canvas hood fits
snugly, ensuring a comfortable cabin should Mother Nature come
calling, and a matching dark blue canvas boot cover for brighter
days. The dark blue wool carpets are colorfast and in good overall
order. A distinguishing feature of the drophead coupe versus the
open-two-seater is the lavish burled wood dash and door caps. In
this car, the woodwork is restored to a high standard, with a
lustrous finish. This car also features a period-accessory Bluemels
Brooklands four-spoke steering wheel. Gauges are clear and crisp,
switchgear is in good order, and a BMC-branded pushbutton radio
resides in the dash. Notably, the rare Borg-Warner automatic
transmission shifts from a stalk mounted on the left-hand side of
the column. Jaguar Heritage Trust documentation verifies that the
3.4-liter inline-six is original to this car. It resides in a tidy
engine bay, with well-polished aluminum double overhead camshaft
covers and SU carburetor bodies. Detailing and ancillaries are
essentially period correct, with an honest character appropriate
for a driver-quality example such as this. Additionally, the
Borg-Warner gearbox pairs well with the relaxed, luxurious nature
of the drophead, transforming it into an enjoyable and care-free
grand tourer, which is ready to be enjoyed for years to come.
Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please
view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6954-1956-jaguar-xk140-drophead-coupe/
