1955 Jaguar XK-140 140MC Convertible

Jaguar introduced their XK120 at the 1948 London Motor Show. A fixed-head coupe was added to the line in 1951, and a convertible, 'drophead coupe', with roll-up side windows and a more substantial top was added in 1953. The chassis was redesigned in 1955 with larger torsion bars, better brakes, and rack-and-pinion steering. The engine received higher-lift camshafts, which helped raise horsepower to 190. Subtle appearance changes were added, such as the grille was given fewer bars that were more widely spaced and full-width bumpers were added. Flashing directional signals were located in the front fenders, just above the bumper.

The cockpit became roomier when the engine was moved forward about three inches. This also required that the battery compartment was to be relocated into the front fender. The car was re-designated XK140 and two variants were added, the XK140 M, which included a crankshaft dampener, wire wheels, a dual exhaust, twin fog lamps, and windshield washers, and the XK140 MC, which added the big-valve cylinder head from the C-Type Jaguar, raising horsepower to 210. The three body styles continued in production through mid-1957, with each available in any of the three variants.

This particular example is a XK140 MC that has been in the current ownership for 15 years. In the early 2000s it was treated to a meticulous body-off restoration at Jaguars Unlimited in Chicago. The body was stripped to bare metal and refinished in red, and there is a new tan Connolly leather interior.

The car is a veteran of the California Mille, and has been upgraded with an aluminum radiator, an electric fan, and a Mallory electronic ignition system.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2014