Vehicle Description
Hot on the heels of the revolutionary XK120, Jaguar’s revised XK140 sports car was a careful evolution of its predecessor, one that set to smooth out rough edges of the XK120. Thanks to the glorious twin-overhead cam six-cylinder engine, the XK120 offered near 120 mph performance and had earned its place as a world-beating sports car. But Jaguar was eager to rectify some of the complaints it heard from customers– such as a tendency to overheat in traffic, a cramped cabin and sometimes unpredictable handling on rough roads. With the XK140, Jaguar introduced important refinements such as rack and pinion steering, telescopic dampers and a larger radiator grille and revised cooling system. The body of the XK140 retained the 120’s svelte and feline curves but gained larger, more protective bumpers and some additional exterior trim. As per the 120, the 140 could be had as a coupe, drophead coupe, or OTS (Open Two Seater, otherwise known as the roadster). The cabin for all three bodies was slightly enlarged to allow more occupant comfort and easier ingress/egress. Performance wise, a standard XK140 produced the same 190 horsepower as the old top-line XK120 SE, but buyers who wanted additional grunt could opt for the “MC” option - which fitted the C-Type cylinder head, dual exhaust, and 2” S.U. Carburetors to deliver a stout 210 horsepower, offering exhilarating performance with a glorious soundtrack and finely honed handling.
This 1957 XK140 Roadster is a fine driving example that has been very nicely restored with an emphasis toward drivability. It is both very attractive and ready for enjoyment. Finished in the classic combination of red over black leather with a black top and chrome 16” wire wheels, it is a very pretty car, with strong cosmetics and even stronger mechanicals. The red paintwork is very nice, with good quality panel fit and nice, straight chrome trim. 16 inch chrome wire wheels are wrapped in blackwall radial tires, which provide just the right sporting look to contrast the red paint. The interior has been recently refreshed with high quality black leather and very nice, properly fitted black carpeting, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon of top-down motoring. Should you get caught in some weather, there is a black canvas top to keep the cabin dry.
Mechanically is where this particular example shines. The iconic XK twin-cam inline six is equipped with a C-Type head which matches the block, delivering a healthy 210 horsepower. An electric fan was added to help with cooling and easy any worry about hot running in traffic. The engine runs strong and the car drives beautifully, with excellent pull through the rev range and of course, plenty of that addicting six-cylinder growl. This is the sort of car we would use at every possible opportunity – to go for a night out, to drive to a vintage event, for casual show or for tours and rallies where it would really shine. This beautiful XK140 roadster is turn-key and ready to be enjoyed, and will certainly reward its next owner with many miles of happy motoring.
