Gregor Wenner
Specialist Consultant
LOT 117
1957 Jaguar XK140 SE Roadster Chassis no. S 813242 Engine no. G 9951-8S
Sold for €138,000 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 117
Desirable Special Equipment model, matching numbers example
1957 Jaguar XK140 SE Roadster
1957 Jaguar XK140 SE Roadster
1957 Jaguar XK140 SE Roadster
Chassis no. S 813242
Engine no. G 9951-8S
Chassis no. S 813242
Engine no. G 9951-8S
• Special Equipment model
• Original left-hand drive
• Matching chassis, engine, and cylinder head numbers
• Delivered new in British Racing green with tan interior
• Present ownership for 12 years
"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" (76mm) 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, coupé and drophead coupé, 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-litre, 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. 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 there) recorded a 0-60mph time of 8.4 seconds on the way to a top speed of 121.1mph (195km/h).
According to its accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, this beautifully restored XK 140 SE Roadster left the factory on 24th January 1957 and was despatched to Jaguar Cars, New York on 5th February of that same year. The certificate also confirms the matching-number engine ('G 9951-8S') and lists the original colour combination as British Racing Green with Tan interior and Gunmetal soft-top.
The matching-numbers XK140 SE has covered only 3,860 miles since a complete body-off restoration was completed in 2011 in the USA. Our vendor purchased the car from Fantasy Junction of Emeryville, California in August 2011. Benefiting from a service carried out by Garage Paul Sorel BV in April 2023 (which included a new battery and four new Michelin tyres) the Jaguar is presented in exceptional condition. The related invoice for €3,420 is on file and the car also comes with a Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate; the 2011 bill of sale; and Belgian title and 2012 technical inspection. An unmissable opportunity to purchase a beautifully restored XK 140 SE Roadster that ticks all the boxes.
• Original left-hand drive
• Matching chassis, engine, and cylinder head numbers
• Delivered new in British Racing green with tan interior
• Present ownership for 12 years
"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" (76mm) 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, coupé and drophead coupé, 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-litre, 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. 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 there) recorded a 0-60mph time of 8.4 seconds on the way to a top speed of 121.1mph (195km/h).
According to its accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, this beautifully restored XK 140 SE Roadster left the factory on 24th January 1957 and was despatched to Jaguar Cars, New York on 5th February of that same year. The certificate also confirms the matching-number engine ('G 9951-8S') and lists the original colour combination as British Racing Green with Tan interior and Gunmetal soft-top.
The matching-numbers XK140 SE has covered only 3,860 miles since a complete body-off restoration was completed in 2011 in the USA. Our vendor purchased the car from Fantasy Junction of Emeryville, California in August 2011. Benefiting from a service carried out by Garage Paul Sorel BV in April 2023 (which included a new battery and four new Michelin tyres) the Jaguar is presented in exceptional condition. The related invoice for €3,420 is on file and the car also comes with a Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate; the 2011 bill of sale; and Belgian title and 2012 technical inspection. An unmissable opportunity to purchase a beautifully restored XK 140 SE Roadster that ticks all the boxes.
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