Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 104
1956 Jaguar XK140 SE Fixed Head Coupe Chassis no. A815440BW Engine no. G7313-8 (see text)
Sold for US$47,040 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 104
1956 Jaguar XK140 SE Fixed Head Coupe
1956 Jaguar XK140 SE Fixed Head Coupe
Chassis no. A815440BW
Engine no. G7313-8 (see text)
Chassis no. A815440BW
Engine no. G7313-8 (see text)
3,442cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
210bhp at 5,500rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission (see text)
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Delivered new with a rare, Borg Warner automatic
*Wonderful model for tours and rallies
*Exceptional performance and elegant styling
*Offered with Heritage Trust Certificate
THE JAGUAR XK140
"For 1955, Jaguar present a range of models incorporating not only added refinements, but mechanical advances directly derived from their many outstanding successes in international competitive events. All the wealth of experience gained on the race-tracks of the world and in record-breaking speed and endurance tests is built into every Jaguar to provide for discriminating motorists the highest degree of efficient performance allied to comfort and safety" - Jaguar Cars Ltd.
Launched in 1954, the Jaguar XK140 was broadly similar to, though more refined than, its sensational XK120 predecessor, major engineering changes being confined to the repositioning of the engine 3" further forward and the adoption of rack-and-pinion steering as used on the racing C-Type. The suspension and brakes remained much as before, though with stiffer torsion bars at the front and telescopic shock absorbers replacing the previous lever type at the rear.
Like its forbear, the XK140 was built in three model types: roadster, coupe and drophead coupe, the latter two offering usefully increased cabin space and occasional rear seats. Outwardly the newcomer was distinguishable by its revised radiator grille, rear lights incorporating flashing indicators, and larger bumpers - the latter adopted to withstand the cut and thrust of urban parking.
The power unit remained Jaguar's well-tried, 3.4-liter, twin-cam six, which now produced 190bhp in standard trim thanks to higher-lift camshafts and revised porting. To ensure reliability, steel-bearing caps replaced the previous cast-iron type. 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. Special Equipment (SE) XK140s came with wire wheels and Lucas fog lamps, and could be ordered with an engine developing 210bhp courtesy of the 'C'-type cylinder head.
XK140 performance was well up to the standards set by its exemplary predecessor, contemporary magazine road tests regularly recording top speed figures in excess of 120mph. Tested by Road & Track magazine, a USA-specification XK140 MC (as the 'C'-type head-equipped SE version was known here) recorded a 0-60mph time of 8.4 seconds on the way to a top speed of 121.1mph.
THE CAR OFFERED
Completed at Jaguar's Coventry works in the March of 1956, this wonderful Jaguar XK140 Drophead Coupe was fitted from new with the rare Borg-Warner automatic transmission option. Very few Jaguars of the period received this convenient addition, making this stunning example a member of quite a rare breed. Painted Carmen Red over Black leather, it was supplied new to the West Coast by Hornburg in Los Angeles. Although the early history remains unknown, the XK140 is believed to have been delivered new to the United States.
Making its way up to Eugene, Oregon, the Jaguar was extensively refurbished in the mid-2000s. The original engine appears to have been replaced with later block that was hastily restamped with the original engine number and a later head from an XJ6. The original Borg Warner automatic has been replaced with a JT5 5-speed manual, adding two extra cog and making for a more spirited driving experience. Receipts on file document the work completed, mostly by Sports Car Shop, Inc in Eugene, Oregon. Later crossing the country to Maryland, the current owner acquired the car in 2011.
Finished in maroon over dark tan leather and tan carpets, the Jag has been on static display for the last dozen years and will require mechanical recommissioning prior to active use.
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