c.1956 JAGUAR XK140 MC FIXED HEAD COUPE Chassis No. S814724 Engine No. G4888-8S Black with red leather interior Engine: six-cylinder, twin overhead camshafts, 3,442cc, 210bhp at 5,750rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension: independent front with rear semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: Lockheed four wheel drum. Left hand drive. It was at the first post-war Motor Show held in England on October 27th, 1948 that Sir William Lyons introduced the revolutionary new Jaguar XK120. The Jaguar show car, finished in a striking, yet uncharacteristic bronze color, was met enthusiastically by the awed attendees. In the years following its introduction, the Jaguar XK120 remained a popular and successful icon in the automobile world and by October of 1954, its successor, the XK140, was introduced to an anxious and now devout following of Jaguar enthusiasts. The six year life span of the fabulous XK120 model allowed Jaguar to determine areas for refinement and institute them in the new XK140: more passenger space, standard wire wheels and more power. The classic lines of the XK120 were retained, but were protected by sturdier bumpers and a tougher grill. A chrome strip ran down the length of the hood, and another on the rear trunk lid drew attention to the badge in the middle proclaiming the Le Mans wins of the marque. The rear bumper wrapped around the fenders and sported over riders. Inside, the front seat and dashboard remained the same, but the engine block was moved forward on the chassis to create more leg room and space behind the front seat, and to achieve better straight line stability. In addition, the adoption of the Alford and Alder rack-and-pinion steering led to a much more direct response to the wheel. The Special Equipment models, designated 'MC' like the car represented here, came fitted with wire wheels and Lucas FT576 foglamps mounted above the front bumper. The C-Type head, developed for the C-Type Le Mans race car, raised the bhp to 210 at 5,750rpm and utilized a dual exhaust system that used two separate silencers with pipes running through holes in the chassis cross members and emerging below the rear over rider. This matching numbers XK140 Fixed Head Coupe appears to have covered very few miles since a frame-off nut and bolt restoration was undertaken in the late 1980s. Much of the work was undertaken by Osborn & Sons Jaguar restoration parts and service of Salt Lake City. A photographic file supports the work undertaken. The interior is attractively finished with rich red leather upholstery and carpets complementing the wood facia. A period Motorola radio is fitted as are seat belts for safety. In the early 1990s the owner was unhappy with a hint of smoke from the exhaust and undertook an overhaul of the valves and springs. Since this time less than 100 miles have been driven. This handsome coupe is well detailed in the engine compartment and very clean below. Noteworthy features include a stainless steel exhaust system, a complete tool roll, jack, grease gun and spare in the trunk and a desirable set of 2" sandcast SU carburetors. This lot has both an XK140 operating maintenance & service handbook and a large Mark VII & XK120 service manual. While the XK140 is without doubt one of the prettiest designs ever, the graceful and flowing lines of the fixed head coupe (particularly when painted in black) make these Jaguars even more individual and memorable as timeless classics of the sporting British heritage.
c.1956 JAGUAR XK140 MC FIXED HEAD COUPE Chassis No. S814724 Engine No. G4888-8S Black with red leather interior Engine: six-cylinder, twin overhead camshafts, 3,442cc, 210bhp at 5,750rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension: independent front with rear semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: Lockheed four wheel drum. Left hand drive. It was at the first post-war Motor Show held in England on October 27th, 1948 that Sir William Lyons introduced the revolutionary new Jaguar XK120. The Jaguar show car, finished in a striking, yet uncharacteristic bronze color, was met enthusiastically by the awed attendees. In the years following its introduction, the Jaguar XK120 remained a popular and successful icon in the automobile world and by October of 1954, its successor, the XK140, was introduced to an anxious and now devout following of Jaguar enthusiasts. The six year life span of the fabulous XK120 model allowed Jaguar to determine areas for refinement and institute them in the new XK140: more passenger space, standard wire wheels and more power. The classic lines of the XK120 were retained, but were protected by sturdier bumpers and a tougher grill. A chrome strip ran down the length of the hood, and another on the rear trunk lid drew attention to the badge in the middle proclaiming the Le Mans wins of the marque. The rear bumper wrapped around the fenders and sported over riders. Inside, the front seat and dashboard remained the same, but the engine block was moved forward on the chassis to create more leg room and space behind the front seat, and to achieve better straight line stability. In addition, the adoption of the Alford and Alder rack-and-pinion steering led to a much more direct response to the wheel. The Special Equipment models, designated 'MC' like the car represented here, came fitted with wire wheels and Lucas FT576 foglamps mounted above the front bumper. The C-Type head, developed for the C-Type Le Mans race car, raised the bhp to 210 at 5,750rpm and utilized a dual exhaust system that used two separate silencers with pipes running through holes in the chassis cross members and emerging below the rear over rider. This matching numbers XK140 Fixed Head Coupe appears to have covered very few miles since a frame-off nut and bolt restoration was undertaken in the late 1980s. Much of the work was undertaken by Osborn & Sons Jaguar restoration parts and service of Salt Lake City. A photographic file supports the work undertaken. The interior is attractively finished with rich red leather upholstery and carpets complementing the wood facia. A period Motorola radio is fitted as are seat belts for safety. In the early 1990s the owner was unhappy with a hint of smoke from the exhaust and undertook an overhaul of the valves and springs. Since this time less than 100 miles have been driven. This handsome coupe is well detailed in the engine compartment and very clean below. Noteworthy features include a stainless steel exhaust system, a complete tool roll, jack, grease gun and spare in the trunk and a desirable set of 2" sandcast SU carburetors. This lot has both an XK140 operating maintenance & service handbook and a large Mark VII & XK120 service manual. While the XK140 is without doubt one of the prettiest designs ever, the graceful and flowing lines of the fixed head coupe (particularly when painted in black) make these Jaguars even more individual and memorable as timeless classics of the sporting British heritage.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
