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/
