With the success of the sensational XK120, the next generation of
sports cars from Jaguar had a tough act to follow. Engineers at
Jaguar, while quite pleased with the performance and acceptance of
their first postwar efforts, knew they could improve. While the
displacement of the tried-and-true 3.4-litre inline-six remained
unchanged, improvements in horsepower were achieved through the use
of a higher lift cam, improved porting, and better breathing SU
carburetors. These few improvements added 30 horsepower to the
overall ratings. In addition to engine functions, the motor was
moved forward about three inches for better balance. A close-ratio
four-speed gearbox combined with the well-tuned engine led to some
highly spirited performance runs. Improved handling on the XK140
was based on the rack and pinion setup first used by Jaguar on the
fabulous C-Type race cars. Suspension upgrades included stiffer
torsion bars combined with improved telescopic shock absorbers
which were now found on all four corners of the chassis. Exterior
styling on the new model was based on the original XK120s but could
be distinguished by its new larger front and rear bumpers, a
revised and enlarged radiator grille opening, plus improved rear
taillights that incorporated turn signals. For 1955, the company
stated, "Jaguar presents a range of models incorporating not only
added refinements, but mechanical advances directly derived from
their many outstanding successes in international competitive
events. All the wealth of experience gained on the racetracks of
the world and in record-breaking speed and endurance tests is built
into every Jaguar to provide for discriminating motorists the
highest degree of efficient performance allied to comfort and
safety." Manufactured in May of 1955, this numbers-matching 1955
Jaguar XK140 MC Roadster, Chassis S811390, left the factory with
the desirable top-of-the-line SE / MC option, as the starting "S"
prefix in the serial number and Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust
Certificate will attest. The Dane Miller Estate Collection would
acquire this XK140 MC in 1993 from a neighboring Euro automobile
company in Warsaw, Indiana, the Classic Car Centre, who had owned
this Jag since 1989. Housed in their impressive two-story
climate-controlled collection facility, this Jaguar has been
diligently watched over since its comprehensive restoration that
was completed in 1993. Carried out by the Classic Car Centre, this
example was taken to bare metal and finished in its current shade
of Oak Green. The original specification Jaguar Biscuit interior
was sourced from G.W. Bartlett Company, which is documented by a
certificate of authenticity, as well as invoice records. Being a
factory MC model, this Jag is equipped with an array of desirable
exterior items that include the iconic knock-off wire wheels, Lucas
fog lights, and rear dual exhaust. Under the front bonnet, the MC
option, or special equipment package, continues to further this
example's desirability. A performance-oriented variant of the
standard XK140, factory upgrades include high-performance cylinder
heads derived from Jaguar's Le Mans-winning C-Type race car, which
increased output to 210 horsepower versus 190 HP for standard cars.
Other mechanical features include high-output carburetors and
ignition to the match the performance of the upgraded cylinder
heads. The sportiest and most desirable factory version of the
beloved XK140, combined with its long-term ownership and documented
restoration, this 1955 Jaguar XK140 MC offers a compelling
opportunity to join a new collection for the first time in 33
years. � Highly desirable numbers-matching MC example
� Factory 210-horsepower C-Type cylinder head engine
� Older comprehensive restoration
� Acquired by The Dane Miller Estate Collection over 33 years
ago
� Accompanied by a JDHT Certificate and file of invoice records
With the success of the sensational XK120, the next generation of
sports cars from Jaguar had a tough act to follow. Engineers at
Jaguar, while quite pleased with the performance and acceptance of
their first postwar efforts, knew they could improve. While the
displacement of the tried-and-true 3.4-litre inline-six remained
unchanged, improvements in horsepower were achieved through the use
of a higher lift cam, improved porting, and better breathing SU
carburetors. These few improvements added 30 horsepower to the
overall ratings. In addition to engine functions, the motor was
moved forward about three inches for better balance. A close-ratio
four-speed gearbox combined with the well-tuned engine led to some
highly spirited performance runs. Improved handling on the XK140
was based on the rack and pinion setup first used by Jaguar on the
fabulous C-Type race cars. Suspension upgrades included stiffer
torsion bars combined with improved telescopic shock absorbers
which were now found on all four corners of the chassis. Exterior
styling on the new model was based on the original XK120s but could
be distinguished by its new larger front and rear bumpers, a
revised and enlarged radiator grille opening, plus improved rear
taillights that incorporated turn signals. For 1955, the company
stated, "Jaguar presents a range of models incorporating not only
added refinements, but mechanical advances directly derived from
their many outstanding successes in international competitive
events. All the wealth of experience gained on the racetracks of
the world and in record-breaking speed and endurance tests is built
into every Jaguar to provide for discriminating motorists the
highest degree of efficient performance allied to comfort and
safety."
Manufactured in May of 1955, this numbers-matching 1955 Jaguar
XK140 MC Roadster, Chassis S811390, left the factory with the
desirable top-of-the-line SE / MC option, as the starting "S"
prefix in the serial number and Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust
Certificate will attest. The Dane Miller Estate Collection would
acquire this XK140 MC in 1993 from a neighboring Euro automobile
company in Warsaw, Indiana, the Classic Car Centre, who had owned
this Jag since 1989. Housed in their impressive two-story
climate-controlled collection facility, this Jaguar has been
diligently watched over since its comprehensive restoration that
was completed in 1993. Carried out by the Classic Car Centre, this
example was taken to bare metal and finished in its current shade
of Oak Green. The original specification Jaguar Biscuit interior
was sourced from G.W. Bartlett Company, which is documented by a
certificate of authenticity, as well as invoice records. Being a
factory MC model, this Jag is equipped with an array of desirable
exterior items that include the iconic knock-off wire wheels, Lucas
fog lights, and rear dual exhaust.
Under the front bonnet, the MC option, or special equipment
package, continues to further this example's desirability. A
performance-oriented variant of the standard XK140, factory
upgrades include high-performance cylinder heads derived from
Jaguar's Le Mans-winning C-Type race car, which increased output to
210 horsepower versus 190 HP for standard cars. Other mechanical
features include high-output carburetors and ignition to the match
the performance of the upgraded cylinder heads.
The sportiest and most desirable factory version of the beloved
XK140, combined with its long-term ownership and documented
restoration, this 1955 Jaguar XK140 MC offers a compelling
opportunity to join a new collection for the first time in 33
years.
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