1956 Jaguar XK-140

The Jaguar XK140 was launched in 1954 and was broadly similar to its predecessor, the XK120. Production lasted until 1957, with 8,937 examples built. Introduced in late 1954, the Jaguar XK140 was sold as a 1955 model. Significant engineering changes included the repositioning of the engine 3 inches further forward and the adoption of a rack-and-pinion steering system as used on the racing C-Type. The brakes and suspension remained very similar to its predecessor, though with stiffer torsion bars at the front and shock absorbers replacing the previous lever-type at the rear. Due to the engine moving forward, the interior became more comfortable by offering additional legroom to its occupants.

Similar to the XK120, the XK140 was offered as a roadster, coupe, and drophead coupe. Both coupes had increased cabin space and occasional rear seats. Exterior changes included its revised radiator grille, larger bumpers, and rear lights incorporating flashing indicators. The grille was the same size as before but became a one-piece cast unit with fewer, and broader, vertical bars. Incorporated into the grille surround was the Jaguar badge. The hood and boot (trunk) lid both had a chrome trim strip running down the center. Also on the boot lid was an emblem containing the words 'Winner LeMans 1951-3.' The tried-and-true 3.4-liter, twin-cam six provided the power, now delivering 190 horsepower in standard trim thanks to revised porting and higher-lift camshafts. Steel bearing caps replaced the previous cast-iron type, ensuring increased reliability. The engine was backed by a close-ratio gearbox and a Laycock-de Normanville overdrive became an option for the first time.

Jaguar XK140s with the Special Equipment package (SE) received wire wheels, Lucas fog lamps, and could be ordered with a 210 horsepower engine with C-Type cylinder head.

Nearly 90 percent of all XK140s were sold with left-hand drive and exported to the North American market.

Mechanical Specifiction
The 1956 Jaguar XK-140 rested on a 102-inch wheelbase platform, was 176 inches long, stood 55 inches tall, and was 64.5 inches wide. The William Heynes designed inline six-cylinder, dual overhead camshaft engine displaced 210 cubic inches and had a cast-iron block, aluminum-alloy head, solid valve lifters, two Solex carburetors, seven main bearings, and 8.0:1. In standard guise, it developed 190 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 210 lbs-ft at 2,500 RPM. With the 'C' Type head, output increased to 210 horsepower at 5,570 RPM and 213 lb-ft at 4,5000 RPM. The transmission was a four-speed manual with overdrive and an automatic ($260 USD) optional. It had rack and pinion steering, hydraulic drum brakes, and a transverse wishbone front suspension with torsion bars and an anti-roll bar. The rear suspension employed a rigid axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.

Body Style, Trim, and Pricing
The 1956 Jaguar XK-140 was offered as a roadster (also known as the OTS or Open Two Seater) priced at $3,600 (USD). The hardtop coupe (the FHC or Fixed Head Coupe) and convertible (the DHC or Drophead Coupé)had 2+2 seating and a $4,000 (USD) base price. The XK140M was an appearance package that added approximately $160 (USD) to the base price. The XK140MC was the performance package which added approximately $315 (USD) to the price.

The roadster and drophead coupe offered 'open air' motoring, with differences that extended beyond the addition of 2+2 seating. The Roadster had a light canvas top that could be stored behind the seats, while the top of the drophead was bulkier and lowered onto the body behind the seats. The roadster had removable canvas and plastic side curtains on light alloy barchetta-type doors, and the drophead had wind-up side windows. The dashboard of the roadster was leather and leatherette, and the drophead was walnut-veneered. The windscreen of the roadster was removable; the drophead had a fixed windscreen integral to the body.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2020