Vehicle Description
Following up on the success of the XK120, Jaguar wisely chose to
make its replacement, the XK140, a careful evolution of its
predecessor that was intended to refine some of the 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 Jaguar
XK140 OTS is a genuine "MC" model as documented by a Jaguar-Daimler
Heritage Trust Certificate. It has been very nicely restored and
recently freshened and professionally detailed. The straight and
sound body is finished in its original color combination of Carmen
Red over black leather with a black top. Gorgeous chrome 16-inch
wire wheels are wrapped in fresh whitewall tires. This is a very
pretty car, with strong cosmetics and even outstanding mechanicals.
The chrome bumpers and exterior trim are in very good condition,
consistent with the quality of the paint and bodywork. The lovely
interior has been refreshed with very nice black leather seats,
proper black carpeting, and correctly trimmed door cards and kick
panels. The leather is in excellent condition, showing just some
very light creasing, lending the cockpit an inviting atmosphere.
The original steering wheel is fitted and the instruments are in
nice order in the correctly trimmed fascia. It is a great place to
spend an afternoon of top-down motoring, enjoying the great
reserves of torque from the exquisite engine. Should you get caught
in some weather; a well-fitted black canvas top will keep the cabin
dry. The boot is correctly trimmed in Hardura and houses a matching
chrome spare wheel and whitewall tire. The original jack, grease
gun and a knock off hammer are present. The high quality
restoration kept a focus on drivability and this example is an
absolute joy on the open road. Jaguar's iconic XK twin-cam inline
six delivers a healthy 210 horsepower when equipped with the C-Type
head as this car is. According to documentation, this is a genuine
1957 "MC" engine with matching head and block, though not from this
particular chassis. An electric fan was added to help with cooling
and ease any worry about hot running in traffic or in warm
climates. The engine runs strong and the car drives beautifully,
with excellent pull through the rev range and of course, plenty of
that addictive six-cylinder growl. The engine has been detailed and
now presents beautifully, and new exhaust manifolds with proper
porcelain finish have been fitted. While it is certainly beautiful
to look at thanks to the gorgeous styling and very good quality
restoration, 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 and highly desirable XK140 MC roadster is
turn-key and ready to be enjoyed, and will certainly reward its
next owner with many miles of happy motoring.