LOT 45

1955 Jaguar XK140 SE Roadster Chassis no. S810691 Engine no. G2044-8S

Sold for US$128,800 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 45

From the Estate of James Messenger
1955 Jaguar XK140 SE Roadster

Audrain Concours Auction|29 September 2023, 16:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame

1955 Jaguar XK140 SE Roadster
Chassis no. S810691
Engine no. G2044-8S

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

*Restored to Concours Condition
*Desirable Special Equipment Options
*Numbers-Matching Engine
*Reported 8-Time Jaguar Club of North America 100-Point Winner

THE JAGUAR XK140

Upon its debut in 1949, Jaguar's sensational XK120 set new standards for performance and style at a remarkably affordable price point. The follow-up to the 120, dubbed the XK140, arrived in 1954 aiming to address shortcomings expressed by customers of the early models.

The XK140 gained rack and pinion steering, improved braking through revised hydraulics, telescopic dampers, and increased suspension travel. Engineers moved the engine forward in the chassis to increase passenger space. Of course, it retained the outstanding XK inline six-cylinder engine with twin overhead cams. Displacement remained the same at 3.4-litres, but power increased as engineers used the high-lift cams from the XK120 SE in the standard XK140. Cars with the Special Equipment option (known as "MC" in the US market) featured wire wheels, dual exhaust, and the straight-port C-Type cylinder head to give 210 horsepower. The svelte, feline proportions of the XK120 carried over, but were subtly freshened with full-width bumpers, a slightly wider grille, and additional chrome trim on the bonnet and boot lid. Jaguar's evolution over revolution approach to the XK140 resulted in a superb driver's car that took the XK formula to the next level, with improved refinement and gutsy performance that Jaguar enthusiasts know and love today.

THE CAR OFFERED

This stunning XK140 "MC" Open Two Seat roadster is an outstanding example of arguably the most desirable 140 body style. According to the JDHT Certificate, this car was produced on January 10, 1955, and left the Browns Lane works finished in red over a black interior. Destined for the USA, it was delivered to its first owner through Los Angeles Jaguar distributor Charles Hornburg. According to previous owner's accounts, the first owner passed away not long after taking delivery, and the car was simply put into storage where it remained until the early 1970s. By 1976 it was on the East Coast and in the care of an enthusiastic owner who kept it in their care until 2009. During that time, it was treated to a nut-and-bolt concours restoration, refinished in an attractive livery of cream over a black interior and detailed to Jaguar Club of North America concours standards, completed in the late 1990s.

From the time of restoration until its sale in 2009, the car was rarely driven, being used solely for JCNA Concours events and accruing single-digit mileage. In three seasons of competition, it achieved eight consecutive 100-point scores. Since coming into current ownership, it benefits from meticulous care and maintenance, and barely shows signs of mellowing. The cream paintwork flatters the XK140's lines, with restored bumpers, trim, and chrome wire wheels adding sparkle.

This XK140 retains its original, numbers-matching engine and C-Type head as verified by the Heritage Certificate. It is fastidiously detailed with proper fittings and hardware, topped with brilliantly polished alloy cam covers, intake manifold, and carburetor dashpots. Accompanying extras include matching side curtains, tool roll, jack, grease gun, reproduction owner's manual and service chart.

Beautifully finished and detailed, this XK140 has been used sparingly since its restoration and benefits from meticulous care. Equally suitable for concours display or on-road enjoyment, it is an outstanding all-rounder that will undoubtedly please the most discerning collector.

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