Vehicle Description
When Jaguar first showed its XK 120 OTS (open two seater) at the
1948 London Motor Show, the automotive world was stunned. The
William Lyons-influenced coachwork was so swoopy it was positively
indecent. The startling new sports car was powered by a thoroughly
modern 3.4-liter double-overhead camshaft straight-six rated at 160
horsepower and had been clocked at 120 miles per hour-hence the XK
120 designation. The Jaguar's looks and performance more than
offset its 3,000 pound weight and the fact that the rear suspension
was by an old-fashioned live rear axle and leaf springs.Replacing
the XK-120 in late 1954, the XK-140 retained the basic formula of
mating the DOHC 3.4 liter straight-six with a conventional chassis,
torsion bar front suspension, and solid rear axle, although
rack-and-pinion steering was a welcome addition. With the XK-140,
Jaguar made it clear that it was listening to its customers, by
addressing the issues of cockpit space, steering feel, and overall
refinement.Thankfully, the newest XK retained the swoopy good looks
of its predecessor but used more robust front and rear bumpers and
a revised cast grille, which made a lot of sense for a car destined
to do battle with huge chrome-laden cars on the streets of America.
Although the 140 was heavier than the 120, an extra 30 extra
horsepower boosted horsepower to 190bhp and ensured that
performance didn't suffer.Like the XK-120 before it, the 140 was
available in three body styles: Open Two Seater, Drophead Coupe,
and Fixed Head Coupe. Standard specifications for the new Jaguar
sports car called for steel wheels with chrome hubcaps accented
with the body color. Steel wheel cars featured striking rear fender
skirts, although they weren't used if the optional painted or
chrome wire wheels were fitted. A high performance Special
Equipment version-also known as the XK-140MC-was also available.
The most important difference was a 210bhp version of the 3.4-liter
engine using the straight-port cylinder head from the C-Type sports
racing car, two-inch SU carburetors, and dual exhaust. The special
equipment package also included heavier torsion bars and wire
wheels.This beautifully restored early Jaguar XK-140MC is finished
in its original factory color of Pastel Blue and is trimmed in dark
blue piped in gray, with blue carpets and top, all matching factory
records provided by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust. This car was
delivered new to California, and spent most of its life in the
West. It left the works equipped with the desirable Special
Equipment (MC) package, including the high-performance C-Type
cylinder head and Laycock de Normanville overdrive.After spending
much of its life on the west coast, the XK-140 was treated to a
ground up, nut-and-bolt restoration, completed in the 1990s. Photos
on file show the level of detail given to every aspect of the car.
Both the blue side curtains and the correct tool kit were restored,
and the car was detailed to JCNA Concours standards. Fitted with
chrome wire wheels and auxiliary Lucas lamps, this pale blue Jaguar
is a truly beautiful car in a rarely-seen color. The cabin features
beautiful dark blue leather, with correct switchgear and
instrumentation on the dash. Under bonnet detailing is excellent,
and the car features a period-correct 3.4-litre engine and C-Type
head. The efforts of the previous owner and restorer were rewarded
with a first prize at the Santa Barbara Concours d'Elegance,
followed by top prizes and a 99.7 point score at the JCNA Concours
in Sacramento, and a National Concours Class Championship award.As
it now sits, this XK-140 is ready to be shown or driven, with a
handsome character to the gently mellowed restoration. It runs and
drives extremely well, feeling exceptionally well-sorted and
dialed-in thanks to years of meticulous care and maintenance.
Beautifully presented in a gorgeous livery, this highly desirable
Jaguar is certain to be a go-to in your collection. Offers welcome
and trades considered For additional details please view this
listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7534-1955-jaguar-xk140mc-roadster/
