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For Sale: 1955 Jaguar XK140 in Saint Louis, Missouri

Vehicle Description

Debuted at the 1948 London Motor Show, the XK120 firmly established Jaguar at the head of the world's sports-car manufacturers with its unforgettably graceful, sweeping bodylines and impressive performance. Powered by Jaguar's all-new DOHC 'XK' inline six-cylinder engine quietly designed and developed since wartime,. the XK120 was the world's first series-production sports car to be equipped with such a sophisticated powerplant. Perhaps most importantly, the new 'XK' placed the privations of postwar austerity into the proverbial rear-view mirror, providing an electrifying and hopeful glimpse of the future for Britain and the rest of the world. While approximately 12,000 XK120s were produced, its sound original design could easily be improved and updated, keeping the competition at bay. The refined XK140 arrived in late 1954 with comprehensive improvements - some derived from Jaguar's victorious racing program - that were designed to overcome the few shortcomings of its predecessor, while maintaining the sleek Jaguar's strong appeal in dealer showrooms, especially in the crucial U.S. sports-car market. Among the numerous upgrades applied to the XK140, most notable among them were the welcome addition of precise rack-and-pinion steering gear, new hydraulic shock absorbers, improved brakes, stiffer torsion bars, and upgraded engine cooling. Greater passenger comfort and legroom were delivered by more forward engine placement and relocation of the car's batteries. While the basic 102-inch wheelbase remained unchanged, overall length and width were increased, further enhancing comfort. Styling was only subtly updated for the XK140, with the widely acclaimed basic design cues of the XK120 thankfully left intact, save for an updated radiator grille. According to marque experts, 8,943 examples of the XK140 were produced in all for 1954-1957, with the luxuriousDrophead Coupe (DHC) the rarest, with 2,793 built. While the standard XK140 was already a potent performer with its DOHC 3.4-liter engine factory-rated at 190 horsepower, the ultimate version of the XK140 was the XK140 SE, with the suffix denoting to comprehensive "Special Equipment" option. Also known as the XK140 MC, this top-of-the-line XK140 variant delivered even greater performance with 210 BHP on tap at 5,750 rpm, courtesy of the freer-flowing C-Type cylinder head. Other choice XK140 SE features included handsome wire-spoke wheels plus twin fog lamps, Laycock overdrive, and a lower-restriction twin-outlet exhaust system. Carrying Chassis Number S 817242 DN, this 1955 Jaguar XK140 SE Drophead Coupe is an outstanding example of Jaguar's top-of-the-line sports model of the mid-1950s. Its 210-horsepower factory specification included a straight-port 'C' Type cylinder head and the highest available 8:1 compression ratio, in concert with a 4-speed manual gearbox and factoryLaycock overdrive, which also dictated a 4.09:1 rear-axle ratio. According to its corresponding Jaguar Daimler heritage Trust (JDHT) certificate, this original left-hand drive Jaguar was completed at Jaguar's famed Browns Lane workshops on February 22, 1955 and then dispatched from the factory on April 6, 1955, destined for the United States via Max Hoffman's famed Jaguar distributorship. This XK140 SE is the product of a freshly completed and superb body-off restoration by a Jaguar marque specialist, resulting in a perfect 100-point judging score and Best in Class honors at the JAGSL Concours at the Elks held in St. Louis on October 15, 2022. Resplendent in Dove Grey paintwork over stunning tan leather upholstery, this sophisticated classic Jaguar retains its numbers-matching engine and C-Type cylinder head and features all requisite 'SE' accessories and equipment. It is finished to a high standard, with excellent body and paintwork, highly polished chrome, and fine-quality detailing. Rolling stock consists of sparkling chrome wire wheels with black wall Vredestein Sprint Classic radials which ensure a period-correct look with excellent handling and braking performance. Inside, beautiful tan leather adorns the seats, complemented by mottled leather door cards and dark tan carpets. The upholstery is taut and precisely fitted, showing virtually no signs of use, while the woodwork is equally stunning, displaying a deep gloss and rich burl pattern. Controls, instruments, and switchgear have all been restored to the same standard of quality. Under-bonnet detailing is outstanding, showcasing the mechanical beauty of Jaguar's XK engine in a display of polished alloy and black porcelain. As evident by its JCNA perfect score, detailing is to exacting standards. Enhanced by a Beige Stayfast convertible top and a set of custom fitted luggage, this prime-quality Jaguar XK140 includes a mounted spare wheel/tire, roadside wheel tools, and a tool roll, plus the aforementioned JDHT Certificate, JCNA concours judging sheets, and restoration records. Freshly restored and beautifully presented, this Jaguar icon now stands ready for continued concours display or - best of all - spirited drives along your favorite stretch of open road. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7453-1955-jaguar-xk140-dhc/

Vehicle Details

  • 1955 Jaguar XK140
  • Listing ID: CC-1679368
  • Price: $179,500
  • Location:Saint Louis, Missouri
  • Year:1955
  • Make:Jaguar
  • Model:XK140
  • Odometer:0
  • Stock Number:7453
  • VIN:S817242DN
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