1957 Jaguar XK140

The legend of the British Jaguar Company dates to 1922 when it was founded by two motorcycle enthusiasts named William Walmsley and Sir William Lyons. It began as the Swallow Sidecar Company and car production began in the 1930s. After World War II, a series of sports cars were introduced with sensational styling and a reported top speed of 120 mph, earning the two-seater the name 'XK-120.' Production began in 1949 and came equipped with the company's twin-cam straight-six engine with a 3.4-liter displacement, dual overhead camshafts, and twin side-draft carburetors.

The XK140 arrived in 1954 and was essentially an Mk II version of the XK120, retaining its predecessor's excellent dynamics and superb level of appointment and attention to detail. Engine power increased to 190 bhp and there were improvements to the lights, cooling, steering, and brakes, along with stiffer torsion bars. Among the most significant updates were the relocation of the engine and scuttle three inches forward, resulting in better handling and improved cockpit space. Minor cosmetic changes included the addition of a longitudinal chrome strip to the hood, accenting the car's graceful lines and elegant stance while celebrating the previous Le Mans victories. It was given a sturdier cast-aluminum grille with fewer bars that improved cooling, and stronger bumpers that were now connected to the chassis. The cowl and steering wheel was raised two inches, increasing comfort and headroom inside. Mechanical changes included a rack and pinion steering. Twin fog lights were now optional.

Coupe body styles had additional seats for children. The XK140 roadsters (or open two-seaters) were the most popular, with 3,347 sold, which was followed by 2,798 coupes. An additional 2,790 drophead variants were fitted with a weather-tight (albeit cumbersome) top.

The powerplant continued to be the 3.4-liter, twin-cam six-cylinder engine with two SU carburetors, higher-lift camshafts, revised porting, and offering 190 horsepower in standard trim. Steel-bearing caps replaced the previous cast-iron type, helping to ensure reliability. A close-ratio gearbox enabled better use to be made of the increased performance while Laycock-de Normanville overdrive became an option for the first time. A three-speed Borg-Warner automatic transmission was also available.

The Special Edition (SE) or MC (in the United States) XK140s came standard with Lucas fog lamps, wire wheels, dual exhausts, a lightened flywheel, windshield washers, and dressed-up trunk fittings. The C-Type cylinder head helping increase horsepower to 210 bhp at 5,500 RPM.

Almost 8900 examples of the XK140 were shipped from Coventry between 1954 and 1957 when the XK140 was superseded by the more muscular and luxurious XK150.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2021