1955 Jaguar XK140MC Roadster

3,442cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
210bhp at 5,750rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Desirable MC example fitted with C-Type heads
*Numbers matching
*Documented by its Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate
*Perfect for numerous sought-after tour events

JAGUAR XK140

While it has been said that the MG TC was the car that introduced America to the joys of sports cars in the late 1940s, it is arguably the Jaguar XK series that gave the sports car movement its style and dash. It is today difficult to believe that the company conceived the XK120 in 1948 as a limited-production specialty model to introduce and showcase the new twin-cam engine. By 1954 - 12,000 examples later - it was clear that it was something else altogether. The XK140 was launched in 1954, giving buyers what they loved about the 120, but with benefits of vastly improved steering, better cooling and brakes and most importantly, increased legroom thanks to a relocation of the engine and firewall.

Also new was the option of a 'C-Type' cylinder head, borrowed from the Le Mans winning competition car. Jaguars so equipped were called 'SE' in the UK and 'MC' in the 'States. The package also included dual exhaust, wire wheels and fog lamps. The added power and improved breathing of the C-Type head gave the MC cars a quicker and more exciting response and this specification is much prized by enthusiast drivers.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

In accordance with its Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, this delightful XK140 was completed on December 7th, 1954 and dispatched on January 6th of the next year. At that time, it was finished in Cream and trimmed in Black leather with White piping and a matching black top. The roadster was shipped to Jaguar's East Coast distributor, Max Hoffman of New York, where it was sold new to its first owner. The first owner must have been a speed junkie since this Jaguar was specified from new with the desirable MC option that added 20 extra horsepower thanks to the C-Type heads fitted to the engine. The Roadster was acquired by the collection in January 1994 from an auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. At the time of purchase, the car had received an interior retrimmed in red leather and a fresh paint job—although the engine bay appears to be largely untouched.

This wonderful example of Jaguar's mid XK series roadster is sure to provide its next owner with years of happy top down motoring.