Vehicle Description
Produced for only three years after the very successful XK120
series with series wins at Lemans from 1951-1953, the newly revised
XK140 series offered buyers the same high-output straight
6-cylinder power plant from the original SE, but now with better
brakes, rack and pinion steering, improved suspension, and more
interior cabin space for taller drivers!
Offered here is a well kept, numbers matching 1955 Jaguar XK140 SE
Fixed Head Coupe! Finished from the factory in iconic British
Racing Green over Tan Leather interior with beautiful wood dash &
door caps, this rare FHC comes with Jaguar's Special Equipment
package option. This included a high-lift camshaft, lightened
flywheel, true dual exhaust, and center-lock 60-spoke chrome wire
wheels. Power comes from its original 3442cc DOHC Straight 6
offering 190 horsepower! Additional options include 4-speed manual
transmission with overdrive, front bumper-mounted Lucas fog lamps,
Smiths instrumentation, telescopic steering column, dual
fender-mounted rearview mirrors, front & rear bumper guards, BF
Goodrich wide whitewall tires, 2-speed electric wipers with
windshield washer, and lap belts! It has also been fitted with a
leather hood strap adding a racecar presentation.
VIN: A814102DN
Engine #: G2983-8
Body #: J4166
Transmission #: JLE28347
This Jaguar is one of only 1,965 examples that were delivered in
left-hand-drive form from the factory in 1955. Of those, only 366
were fitted with the Special Equipment package. It was garaged and
showcased by its former owner in his Wisconsin collection since
approximately 1998. It was originally built new on March 24th, 1955
and delivered to esteemed importer, Max Hoffman, located in New
York City. It starts easily, all gauges are functional, as well as
the wipers, horn, turn signals, interior & exterior lighting, etc.
Since its arrival to the St. Louis Car Museum, we elected to remove
the fuel tank to have it flushed and boiled out, and reinstalled it
with all new mounting hardware, fuel sending unit, rebuilt fuel
pump, new hoses, and rebuilt carburetors with complete kits
supplied through Joe Curto. The engine oil and filter would be
changed, along with draining both the transmission and rear axle to
receive fresh gear oil respectively. Both 6-volt batteries are new
along with new spark plugs. The brakes received a new master
cylinder, wheel cylinders, hardware, turned drums, fresh hoses, and
new DOT5 fluid throughout.
The operating temperature never exceeds 85 degrees Celsius on an
extended test drive, and strong oil pressure at idle and under
throttle! Clutch engagement is smooth, and braking is reliable and
confident under all conditions! It is surprisingly quick and a
splendid joy to drive! The paint finish shows patina having been
repainted many decades ago, but it makes this Jaguar a perfect
tourer for the driving enthusiast! The interior condition, on the
other hand, was more recently treated to a worthy restoration and
shows incredibly well! Complete with matching spare, jack, rear
partition lock key, recent service/parts receipts, and Heritage
Trust Certificate. Please call with any questions or to make an
appointment to inspect the car in person. Will not last at this
price!
