1956 Jaguar XK140 SE Drophead Coupé

• Sold new in the USA
• Present ownership since 2002
• No restoration required since acquisition
• Enthusiastically campaigned
• Registered in Belgium
• Matching numbers (chassis and engine).

"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, the adoption of an Alford & Alder rack-and-pinion steering as used on the racing C-Type and the battery is no longer located behind the seats but is housed in the front right wing to allow two small seats to be fitted at the rear. It should also be noted that the firewall is completely different: it surrounds the sides of the engine, freeing up legroom and providing more space for the occupants, with the front wings becoming shorter and the doors longer. 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 XK140MC (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, highly respectable figures even today.

Writing in Autosport, John Bolster had this to say: "The Jaguar XK140 is a very high class machine that has more delightful qualities than almost any other car on the market. I have long ago given up wondering how they make them for the money; for sheer value there is nothing to compare with them in the high-performance field."

One of 2,310 left-hand drive XK140 drophead coupés made, this SE model was delivered new in the USA via Jaguar Cars New York. The accompanying Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate records the original colour scheme as Battleship Grey with white-piped red interior and Sand soft-top. Our vendor purchased the XK from the Sports Car Centre in Wagenberg, Netherlands in December 2002 (purchase receipt on file). According to our vendor, the car was in excellent condition when he bought it and has not required any restoration during his ownership. The current owner has had the car regularly serviced by a Belgian garage with a strong reputation for restoring classic British cars. Notable features include Avon tyres, Koni shock absorbers, very good brakes and an additional cooling fan (we're told the engine never overheats, not even in hot weather). While in the vendor's care this enthusiastically campaigned XK140 has successfully completed two Liège-Rome rallies and four National Classic rallies. During our test drive, we noted the car's very sound handling on both slow and fast sections. Accompanying documentation consists of current Belgian registration papers, an old French Carte Grise in the previous owner's name and the Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, confirming that the car is matching numbers (engine & chassis).