Lot 220: 1956 Jaguar XK140 Coupé

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 three inches 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 XK120 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, and Laycock de Normanville overdrive became an option for the first time. Special Equipment 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.
Known to the current vendor for the past 25 years, this highly original XK140 Coupé used to reside in its previous owner’s showroom and displays a total of only 58,000-or-so miles on the odometer. The vendor purchased the car in 2003 and immediately treated it to a cosmetic refurbishment that included bodywork, brightwork and interior trim; updating it with power steering, alternator electrics, CD player and radial tyres (on the original rims) at the same time. Looking fabulous, this XK is reported to perform well, easily holding its own in present-day traffic, and in the vendor’s own words ‘has been a dream to own.’ The car is offered with old-style logbook, current MoT/road fund licence and Swansea V5 registration document.