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1955 Jaguar XK-140

Jaguar introduced its XK120 in 1948 at the Earls Court Motor Show, just months after being conceived. The sensational roadster was the work of Jaguar boss William Lyons himself, with the body being conceived as a coachbuilt, aluminum paneled structure since Jaguar expected to sell no more than 200 examples in its first year. A new all-steel paneled body was developed in conjunction with the Pressed Steel Fisher Company, which retained the gentle curves, graceful lines, and fabulous appearance of the coachbuilt original while differing in minor external details. At its heart was the XK engine, which had been developed during World War II and was intended for Jaguar's forthcoming Mark VII saloon.

The 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine had a modern design with twin overhead camshafts running in an aluminum-alloy cylinder head, with seven main bearings and developing approximately 160 horsepower. The chassis was essentially a shortened version of the Mark V saloons, which employed William Henes' torsion bar independent front suspension.

The roadster was followed by coupe and drophead coupe versions, along with a Special Equipment (SE) package which brought power to 180 bhp. With either engine and regardless of body style, the XK120 was a genuine 120 mph car.

Production of the XK120 continued until 1954 and would prove to be the most popular of the XK series, with 12,078 examples built.

The Jaguar XK140

The Jaguar XK140 was launched in 1954 as a 1955 model and broadly similar to its XK120 predecessor, though more refined and sophisticated. The major engineering changes were confined to the adoption of rack-and-pinion steering as used on the racing C-Type, and repositioning the engine three inches further forward. The brakes and suspension remained mostly unchanged, though with telescopic shock absorbers replacing the previous lever-type at the rear and stiffer torsion bars at the front. Like its forbearer, the Xk140 was constructed in three body styles consisting of a roadster, coupe, and drophead coupe, the latter two having increased cabin space and occasional rear seats. Exterior changes included a revised radiator grille, larger bumpers, and rear lights incorporating flashing indicators.

The engine bay continued to house the tried-and-true 3.4-liter, twin-cam six, which now delivered 190 horsepower in standard trim thanks to revised porting and higher-lift camshaft. Steel bearing caps replaced the previous cast-iron type, ensuring reliability. The increased performance was handled by a close-ratio gearbox while Laycock-de Normanville overdrive became an option for the first time.

Jaguar XK140 models with the Special Equipment (SE) package came with wire wheels and Lucas fog lamps and could be optioned with a 210 horsepower engine with 'C'-type cylinder head. They had 2-inch sand-cast SU H8 carburetors, heavier torsion bars, and twin exhausts. The XK140 was capable of top speeds in excess of 120 mph. A USA-specification XK140 MC (as the 'C'-type head-equipped SE version was known there) was tested by Road & Track magazine with a zero-to-sixty mph time of 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 121.1 mph.

The Jaguar XK120 had made its debut in 1948 and was produced through 1954 with approximately 12,000 examples made. It was at the forefront of sports car manufacturing, with graceful lines and race-proven performance capabilities. The arrival of the XK140 built upon its predecessor's sound original design, bringing with it a comprehensive list of improvements designed to overcome its predecessor's few shortcomings while maintaining its appeal, especially in the all-important U.S. export market. It retained the basic 102-inch wheelbase length of its predecessor, ergonomics were significantly improved, and race-proven mechanical enhancements kept it at the forefront of performance. During its three-year production run, ending in 1957, just 8,943 examples were made. Of those, 1,392 were in right-hand drive configuration while the remaining 7,545 were in left-hand drive. Clearly, the majority were intended for the North American market. Production between the three body styles was fairly similar, with the open two-seater being the most popular, with 3,349 examples built. The fixed-head and drop-head were nearly identical, with 2,790 of the drophead, just eight less than the fixed-head version. Of the 3,349 open two-seaters, just 73 were in right-hand drive configuration.

The Jaguar XK140 was superseded by the XK150. The E-Type superseded the XK-series in 1961.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible

In 1954 Jaguar introduced the XK140 as a replacement for the highly successful Jaguar XK120 that had first appeared in 1948. The XK Series was conceived by William Lyons as a sleek automobile that sat atop a short wheelbase in a two-seat roadster configuration powered by a twin-cam engine. The XK120, named because of its 120 mph top speed, was powered by an engine that produced 160 horsepower. The XK140 received a larger 190 horsepower engine, rack-and-pinion steering, and more interior space. Interior space was gained by the repositioning of the engine and firewall, thus keeping the dimensions of the chassis identical to the XK120. This car was purchased new by Mr. Reddy's grandfather in 1956 and restoration was completed in 2005.

140MC Sports Roadster

The Jaguar XK-140 series was in production from 1954 to 1957. It was a continuation of the Jaguar 120 series, which had been introduced in 1949. The motor was Jaguar's venerable 3.4-liter, twin overhead cam motor that developed 210 horsepower.

The XK-140MC was fitted with the C-Type cylinder head, two-inch sand cast H8 carburetors, heavier front torsion bars and twin exhaust pipes. This model was known in the UK as an XK-140 SE.

The XK140 was available in three body styles: an open seat roadster, drophead coupe and fixed head coupe. The XK140 roadster had removable canvas and plastic side curtains and either a long or short tonneau cover to keep the cockpit dry when the top is down.

Convertible

XK 140 production lasted three years superseding the XK120 in the 1955 model year, and itself being replaced by the XK150 in 1957. There were useful improvement's the bigger brakes, the adoption of rack and pinion steering and the suspension with four-corner telescopic shock absorbers replacing lever arm activation. The 3442cc engine was now rated at 190 horsepower at 5500 RPM. The SE or MC model was rated at 210 horsepower. Inside the car, the firewall and dash pushed the engine forward by 3-inches so that there was more acceptable for taller rides.

Hardtop Coupe

Jaguar's XK140 Special Equipment Fixed Head Coupe - this example in Old English White and Red - was a popular American import, all part of Great Britain's 'export or die' promotion which was still going strong ten years after WWII had ended. The XK140 was introduced in 1954, first sold as a 1955 model. The XK150 followed it in 1958 with the XK-E, or E-Type, superseding it in 1961. Upgrades over the preceding were brakes, rack-and-pinion steering and telescopic shock absorbers (instead of lever arm.) Suffix MC is a USA-only designation for a factory-fitted C-Type cylinder head that offered 210 horsepower. The engine also had 2-inch sand-cast SU H8 carburetors, heavier torsion bars and twin exhausts. In the UK, the MC package was called the SE package for Special Equipment.

The XK140 appeared from 1954 through 1957 and was an evolution of the 1949 revolutionary XK120. It featured several improvements such as rack-and-pinion steering and Girling telescopic rear dampers. Other changes included much heavier bumpers and a revised roof line. The E-Type superseded the XK-series in 1961.

The XK140 was a popular import, all part of Britain's 'export or die' promotion still going strong 10 years after World War II had ended.

140MC Sports Roadster
Chassis number: S811687
Engine number: G5224-8S

Jaguar offered a Special Equipment performance package for the XK-140 and examples so equipped, such as this Open Two-Seater, were designated MC models. The MC engine featured a higher-compression 'C-Type' cylinder head and had a dual exhaust system. Other updates included a pair of Lucas FT576 fog lamps, which were mounted above the front bumper, and a 210 horsepower engine.

This XK 140MC rolled off the line in Coventry on September 25th of 19555. It was finished in a triple blue combination of Pastel Blue over Dark Blue leather with Light Blue piping and a Blue top. It was dispatched to Hornburg in Los Angeles though it was not registered until 1957. It wears an older restoration and is currently finished in Carmine Red with tan hides.

The car was previously owned by James Schnute of Glen Ellyn Illinois and joined the Oldenburg Family Collection in May of 2006.

In 2013 this car was offered for sale at Bonhams Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $94,300 including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

140MC Sports Roadster
Chassis number: S 8111049
Engine number: G-2212-8S

This Jaguar XK140MC Roadster is an original left-hand-drive, US-delivery example factory equipped with the 'MC' package. The MC option comprised the 'M' or 'Special Equipment' package, including a crankshaft damper, dual exhaust pipes, enlarged SU H8 carburetors, twin fog lamps, and wire-spoke wheels. The 'C' designation indicates the addition of a high-compression, LeMans proven C-Type cylinder head raising engine output to 210 horsepower.

The car was completed on February 28th of 1955 and on March 30th of that year, it was shipped stateside to a Los Angeles-based Jaguar distributor. The car received a concours-quality restoration during the early to mid-1980s.

by Dan Vaughan

140MC Sports Roadster
Chassis number: S811918
Engine number: G6037-8S

The XK140 was the successor to the Xk120 model. The primary differences were increased interior space, better brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, increased suspension travel and the use of tubular shock absorbers.

This car carries matching numbers. It was initially delivered to an Air Force pilot in Alabama. The second owner held the car for many years and began a restoration. The car retains all its original sheet metal, and the mechanicals were restored by a technician who had previously worked in the Jaguar Factory. The interior materials were supplied by the company that supplied the factory.

The car was purchased as a Christmas present and has participated in JCNA Concours events.

140MC Convertible
Chassis number: S 818857
Engine number: G 8781-8S

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 Dan Vaughan

140MC Convertible
Chassis number: S811630D/N
Engine number: G 4870-8S

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 Dan Vaughan

Sports Roadster
Chassis number: S 810715 DN

This Jaguar XK 140 was built to its current configuration for Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Jaguar dealer, Christian Heuber. Mr. Heuber commissioned the car from two longtime Roger Penske racing mechanics, LeRoy Gane and Harry Tidmarsh, who had worked for Penske on everything from 'birdcage' Maseratis to TransAm Camaros.

The body is largely stock, and rides on new Borrani 15 x 7-icnh knock-off wheels, and new fenders formed from aluminum. The trunk lid was reshaped in a lighter-weight aluminum, eliminating the heavy wooden framing beneath. The interior seats are custom-fabricated, lightweight aluminum racing seats, facing dual racing windshields.

The engine and transmission were mounted front-to-back, lowering the center of gravity and improving front/rear weight balance. The block was overbored and stroked, to just over 4.5-liters, and fitted with Iskenderian-ground Piper camshafts, exceptionally large valves, Arias pistons with 10.5:1 compression, a complex multi-chambered oil pump, high-output oil pump, a substantial racing oil cooler, custom competition-style exhaust, and a lightweight aluminum bronze flywheel. The transmission is a competition CR Moss-type gearbox built by Alan George and Mr. Gane, with a double roller bearing lower shaft, robust overdrive, and a custom-built shifting tower, and connects to torque tube drive to a very heavy-duty Jaguar solid rear axle assembly. The suspension was outfitted with modern Aston Martin-type adjustable Panhard bars, while the rear suspension was specially designed by Gane and Tidmarsh.

140MC Convertible

This car was imported from England by Max Hoffman of New Jersey and sold to the original owner, Mr. R.N. Dovers of Decatur, Illinois, on June 27th of 1955. Mr. Dovers sold it to Edward Werling of Mattoon, Illinois, on an unknown date. Mr. Werling actually raced the car and at some point while he owned it had a white paint job done on it. Mr. Werling (or his estate) transferred it in 1997 to his daughter, Carol Yantis, also of Mattoon. The present owner purchased it from the estate sale of Carol Yantis in 2010. The interior was in red leather and very rough, and the tacky white paint job had no chance of ever looking good, so he decided to completely restore the car in Pacific Blue over red leather.

Hardtop Coupe
Chassis number: S814865
Engine number: G5328-8S

This left-hand drive, fixed head coupe with the SE option package was built on September 22nd of 1955 and dispatched to the United States on October 17th of that year. After being imported to Charles Hornburg's Los Angeles dealership, it was purchased new by Senator Eugene D. Ivy, a state senator based in Yakima, Washington, who served four terms in office between 1953 and 1960.

The SE option package added fog lamps, long-range driving lamps, and wire wheels. The SE package also offered factory mechanical upgrades, such as dual-exhaust pipes and the C-Type cylinder head, a component from the Le Mans-winning race car that raised brake horsepower by 20 hp over the base model. This car was optioned with the Laycock de Normanville overdrive and has a tool kit, spare tire, tire pump, and jack.

The past owner acquired the car in 1996 and has since restored it to its current presentation. The restoration work was performed by the Antique Auto Shop of Hebron, Kentucky, which included paint, interior work, and mechanical refurbishing.

As an early XK140 example, this car had an aluminum boot, bonnet and doors, body components that were lined with steel after October 1956. In August of 2011, this car was sold at auction for the sum of $93,500.

by Dan Vaughan

140MC Sports Roadster

This Jaguar XK-140 was produced on October 8th of 1954. It was sold through Hoffman Motor Car Company, the original Jaguar dealer in America. A restoration was completed in 2005. It was manufactured with the racing C-Type head and was the 17th built and the fourth-oldest remaining.

Sports Roadster

The XK140 was manufactured by Jaguar between 1954 and 1957 as the successor to the XK120. There was more interior space, better brakes, rack and pinion steering, increased suspension travel, and tubular shock absorbers. It was introduced in late 1954 and sold as a 1955 model. More substantial bumpers with overriders and flashing turn signals above the front bumper distinguish it from its predecessor. Power was from the 3.4-liter Jaguar XK dual overhead camshaft inline-6 engine making 190 horsepower. The roadsters have removable canvas and plastic side curtains on light alloy Barchetta-type doors, and a tonneau cover. The windscreen is removable for true open motoring.

This 1955 Jaguar XK140 Roadster, was found locally by the present owners after 35 years in storage. A ground-up restoration was performed in 2020. The XK140 has long been acknowledged as one of the most romantic sports cars ever built, making it a highly sought-after collectible automobile.

Sports Roadster
Chassis number: S811883
Engine number: G 6401-8S

This 1955 Jaguar XK140 SE OTS was completed November 29, 1955, and left the factory wearing Pastel Green paint with a tan leather interior and Fawn canvas top. It was delivered new to Los Angeles on July 5th of 1955 and into the care of the Charles Hornburg Company and thence to its first owner. Its original and subsequent ownership is not known until it was acquired more recently by a lifelong Jaguar enthusiast. In 2014, it received a ground-up restoration and finished in Old English White with a white top and whitewall tires. The interior was done in bright red. It retains the high-performance C-type head fitted to the original 3,442cc DOHC inline 6-cylinder engine. There is a five-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension, live rear axle, and four-wheel drum brakes.

by Dan Vaughan

Sports Roadster
Chassis number: S 810416
Engine number: G1461-85

Jaguar built approximately 12,000 examples of the XK120 from 1948 through 1954, replaced by the XK 140 with a comprehensive list of improvements with many of those aimed at the U.S. market. In total, around 3,350 examples of the XK 140 Roadsters were built from 1954 to 1957.

This Jaguar XK 140 is an SE example, or 'M' (for modified) as they were referred to in the United States, that did not have the C-Type cylinder head when new. It left the factory finished in Cream over Black with a French Grey convertible top. It was dispatched on December 15th of 154 and distributed through Hoffman in New York, New York. The original owner was J.C. Wieland.

This Jaguar has been given a full restoration and is finished in red over biscuit leather. It has dual exhaust, fog lamps, wire wheels, and windshield washers. Upgrades since new include the five-speed transmission, disc front brakes, an alternator with a generator look, a new gear reduction starter, and an aluminum radiator with an auxiliary electric fan. All of the original components, however, remain with the vehicle if a future owner desires to return this Jaguar back to the original specification.

This XK 140 has been driven on two rallies of approximately 1,000 miles each, most recently in the fall of 2017.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible
Chassis number: S817559DN
Engine number: G3144-8S

This Jaguar XK140 SE Drophead Coupe was completed in 1955 as a left-hand-drive example with overdrive. It wore a Pearl Grey exterior with a French Grey top and a red-piped-gray interior. Its first owner was F.M. Tunno of Portland, Oregon who took possession in 1956 and is believed to have retained it until 2009, when the British car dealership, JD Classics, purchased the car. They immediately sold it to Robert Jewers, one of the company's directors. The current US-based owner purchased it in 2015 via JD Classics.

This Jaguar received a sympathetic cosmetic restoration by JD Classics in 2016 which included re-trimming the interior in burgundy leather. The body was fully dismantled and painted in its original color, and the brightwork was replated.

This vehicle is powered by a 3,442cc dual overhead camshaft inline 6-cylinder engine with twin SU carburetors delivering 210 horsepower at 5,500 RPM. There is a four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive, front disc brakes a front independent suspension with torsion bars, and a live rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs.

by Dan Vaughan

140MC Hardtop Coupe

The XK140 legroom suits tall drivers while the C-Type heads celebrate 3 winning years at Le Mans.

Sports Roadster

Rescued from a collection shop in Austin, Texas in a disassembled state and with missing parts, this car is now restored with a five-speed transmission and XK 150 brake system. The hardtop has a spine on the top and a suede green shelf in the back, in addition to the back window. It is very unusual to see an XK with a hardtop.

In 1954, Jaguar introduced the XK140 as a replacement for the highly successful Jaguar XK120 that had first appeared in 1948. The XK Series was conceived by William Lyons as a sleek automobile that sat atop a short wheelbase in two-seat roadster configuration powered by a twin-cam engine. The XK120, named because of its 120 mph top speed, was powered by an engine that produced 160 horsepower. The 'X' represented the 'experimental' engine type while the letter 'K' was the sequence. The XK140 received a larger 190 horsepower engine, rack-and-pinion steering, and more interior space. Interior space was gained by the repositioning of the engine and firewall, thus keeping the dimensions of the chassis identical to the XK120. Minor improvements were done to the aesthetics of the vehicle. A Special Equipment package was available that included Dayton wire wheels and a 210 horsepower engine, the result of C-Type heads, and dual exhaust.

The XK legacy continued with outright victories at LeMans in 1953, 1955, 1956, and 1957. This 24-hour grueling marathon is a true test of speed and endurance. The XK-Series proved to be the best.

Production continued through 1957 when it was replaced by the XK150. The XK140 carried on the success started by the XK120. The OTS version proved again to be the most popular with sales for the DHC and Fixed versions still respectable. In Jaguar lingo, 'OTS' refers to 'open two-seater' or 'roadster' while 'DHC' represents 'drophead coupe'. The roadster versions often featured removable side curtains instead of windows. The top could be folded behind the seats and conveniently hidden by the rear shroud. The DHC body has roll-up windows, wood interior, and an attached top that, when folded, would stick-up above the body.

by Dan Vaughan