1955 Jaguar XK-140 140MC Convertible

At the 1948 Earl's Court Show, Jaguar introduced its XK120. Years later, in 1954, it was followed by the XK140 which offered new features and improvements. It was given a redesigned box-section frame with a more supple suspension that included larger torsion bars and anti-roll bars, improved brakes, and rack-and-pinion steering to replace the earlier recirculating-ball system. Inside, there was a larger and more comfortable cockpit with increased legroom. This new space was created by moving the engine and transmission assembly forward by three inches, along with the firewall and instrument panel. The cowling and steering wheel were both raised. In both the front and rear were larger, full-width bumpers with over-riders. Beneath the bonnet and redesigned grille was a 3.4-liter twin-cam six-cylinder engine with higher-lift camshafts and an improved ignition system. The standard transmission was a four-cylinder unit with electric overdrive.

Even though the XK140 was a few hundred pounds heavier than the XK120, it was also faster, with a top speed in the neighborhood of 130 mph. For customers seeking even more performance, Jaguar offered a larger-valved cylinder head which gave an additional 20 horsepower.

Between 1954 and 1957, nearly 8,900 units of the XK140 were shipped from Coventry.

This particular Jaguar was completed on August 24, 1955 and delivered to the Charles Hornburg Motor Company in Los Angeles on September 5th. The original owner is not known. It eventually found its way to the east coast where it was cosmetically restored. Mr. Derek Gilchrist purchased the car around 2007, who had the engine, transmission, and rear axle overhauled by Dan Kelly at British Car Service in Sacramento, California. Additional work followed, this total restoration costs exceeding $150,000 over a three-year period. In October of 2012, the car was consigned for sale in Sacramento, and was purchased by the current owner.

This car currently has 68,817 miles on its odometer. It is finished in red paint with a black leather interior, black canvas top and tonneau cover, a set of correct side curtains, a handsome Motolita wood-and-alloy steering wheel, sparkling chromed-plated wire wheels, spare, jack, and tool roll. It also has a special hardwood tool that allows the chrome-plated knock-off spinners to be removed and installed without damage to the plating.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2015