LOT 161
1955 Jaguar XK140 'OTS' Roadster Chassis no. 810399 Engine no. G 1614-8
Sold for US$56,000 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 161
1955 Jaguar XK140 'OTS' Roadster
1955 Jaguar XK140 'OTS' Roadster
Chassis no. 810399
Engine no. G 1614-8
Chassis no. 810399
Engine no. G 1614-8
3,442cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
180bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*A factory left-hand-drive OTS in its factory colors
*Well-maintained older restoration
*Retains its matching numbers engine block
*Well-suited for touring and regular driving enjoyment
*Offered with a Jaguar-Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate
THE JAGUAR XK140
The XK140 introduced numerous improvements over the XK120, which had previously stood the automotive world on its ear at its Earl's Court introduction in 1948. Arriving in late 1954, the XK140 was again offered in Fixed-head coupe (FHC), Drop-head coupe (DHC) and Open Two-Seat Roadster (OTS) versions, all with a subtly restyled body. Underpinning the body was a redesigned box-section chassis with a larger torsion bars and anti-roll bars, improved brakes, and rack-and-pinion steering to replace the earlier recirculating-ball system. Perhaps most importantly for customers in the vital North American market, there was a more comfortable cockpit with increased legroom, thanks to the engine and transmission assembly being moved forward by three inches, along with the firewall and instrument panel. The cowling and steering wheel were both raised. Larger full-width bumpers and subtle new body trim helped differentiate it from the outgoing 120.
Beneath the bonnet and redesigned grille sat the 3.4-liter twin-cam six from the XK120 SE, with higher-lift camshafts and an improved ignition system. A four-speed manual transmission carried over, and electric overdrive was an option. Although the XK140 was a few hundred pounds heavier than the XK120, it was also faster, with a top speed of about 130 mph in standard form. The Special Equipment package, or MC, was again offered, now with upwards of 210bhp with the C-Type straight-port head. Production totaled nearly 8,900 units between 1954 and 1957, when the XK140 was superseded by the XK150.
THE CAR OFFERED
This handsome XK140 OTS Roadster was completed in December of 1954, leaving the Browns Lane factory finished in cream over red upholstery, as indicated on the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate. It is an original left-hand-drive car, destined for the USA via Hoffman Motors in New York. As a standard model, this car wears seldom-seen factory steel disc wheels with removable spats over the rear arches – which serve to accentuate the XK140's svelte, aerodynamic form.
The subject of an older restoration to near-original specifications and colors, this car has taken on a pleasing character through regular use and care. The red interior is trimmed in authentic leather and vinyl materials, carrying over to the proper red Hardura trunk lining, and black mohair convertible top. Lifting the bonnet reveals the classic XK inline-six and its signature polished alloy cam covers, twin SU carburetors, and porcelain black exhaust manifolds. This car retains its original numbers-matching block per the Heritage Certificate, however, the cylinder head has been changed to a G-series unit from an XK140 SE.
With its appealing character and high degree of authenticity, this XK140 Roadster is a fine choice for rallies, tours, and casual enjoyment – ready to savor all that makes Jaguar's sublime XK one of the greatest sports cars of its time.
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