LOT 589

1956 Jaguar XK140 SE (MC) Roadster Registration no. 876 UYK Chassis no. S 811010DN Engine no. G 2599-8S

Sold for £48,300 inc. premium

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Lot 589

1956 Jaguar XK140 SE (MC) Roadster

The Beaulieu Sale: Collectors' Motor Cars & Automobilia|2 September 2023, 14:30 BST|Beaulieu, National Motor Museum

1956 Jaguar XK140 SE (MC) Roadster
Registration no. 876 UYK
Chassis no. S 811010DN
Engine no. G 2599-8S

• Sold new in the USA
• Left-hand drive
• UK resident since circa 2014
• Restored and engine rebuilt 2015/2016
• Five-speed gearbox

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. 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. 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 cylinder head-equipped SE version was known there) recorded a 0-60mph time of 8.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 121.1mph, highly respectable figures even today.

Delivered new to the USA, this Jaguar XK140 MC is believed to have been raced in period; it has four-point safety belts still fitted and also a five-speed gearbox. The car comes with a clip file divided into two sections: the first containing all bills to date in the UK and the second containing all bills from the USA plus American certificates of title. There are more than 120 bills for parts on file plus others relating to an engine rebuild in 2015/2016 when the car was restored. It also has uprated front brakes with Wilwood calipers. Taken together these bills total £25,000.

Our vendor reports that the bodywork is all straight and correct; that the interior looks very good, with no damage; and that the engine runs very well. The following items are included in the sale: copper/hide wheel hammer; jack with ratchet; 'T'-bar handle for spare wheel cover; brand new hood still in its box; chromed spare wheel; and a set of Jaguar-branded spanners. Offered with a V5C document.

Saleroom notices

Please note that the car has had a replacement block, the block number appears to be KE 9421-8.

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