1957 Jaguar XK140 Roadster

In 1954, the Jaguar XK120 was replaced with the XK140 which brought with it many improvements and upgrades. The fixed head coupe and the drophead coupe were given the occasional jump seats. This was made possible by moving the engine forward three inches. The cowl was raised two inches, as was the steering wheel, which allowed for more comfort and headroom inside. The XK140 came equipped with heavier bumpers which were now connected to the chassis. In the front, the cast-aluminum grille had fewer bars, which improved cooling. Buyers had the option of purchasing twin fog lights as optional equipment, and the hood and trunk were given chrome strips and medallions, in celebration of previous Le Mans victories.

The Burman steering of the outgoing XK120 was replaced with a rack-and-pinion system, and the roll bars were increased in diameter making the XK140 stiffer in the corners.

The most popular bodystyle on the XK140 was the roadster, with 3,347 examples sold. 2,798 coupes were produced. 2,790 drophead variants were given a weather-tight top.

This particular example was built on January 29th of 1957 and is the 14th from the end of XK140 production. Two weeks after this car was built, a fire occurred at Jaguar Brown's Lane factory destroying four of the remaining XK140s, along with nine XK SS roadster.

By 1970, this XK140 was seeing very little road use in San Diego, so it was brought to Kentucky and put into storage. In December of 2009, it was purchased by Jim and Cathy Kakuska, who planned to restore the car and then tour with it. A frame off-restoration soon began, which totaled $125,000. During the process, the car was given upgrades which included a five-speed gearbox and front disc brakes.

This car was originally an M model which meant it was delivered without the C-Type head (the factory had run out). Presently, the car has been upgraded to C-Type specification. The exterior has been re-painted in Imperial Maroon and finished with a tan leather interior and matching top.

After the work was completed, the Kakuskas won a Benz Award at the Geneva, Illinois, concours and then took off for 6,500 miles of touring over the course of two summers.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2015