Lot 166: 1954 Jaguar XK140 Roadster

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. 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.

‘Could this really be a better car than the XK120?’ pondered Autosport’s road-tester John Bolster in 1955. ‘Now that I have driven it I can state categorically that it is a great improvement in every important respect. The new steering utterly transforms the handling, and the suspension has also been revised. There is a wonderful feeling of complete control, and this is one of those very rare cars that seems to help the over-impetuous driver out of his difficulties.’ Bolster much appreciated the XK140’s perfect traffic manners and compact dimensions, concluding: ‘Above all though, this is an ideal long-distance car, and would be sheer heaven for Continental touring.’

Restored in 1998 and presented in perfect condition throughout, this left-hand drive XK140 roadster comes with an album of photographs documenting the restoration in full, together with a number of the relevant invoices. The car is offered with Jaguar Heritage Certificate, ASI papers, Italian libretto and valid roadworthiness certificate.




Restauré en 1998 et présenté en parfait état général, ce roadster XK140 à conduite à gauche est accompagné d’un dossier de photos illustrant sa restauration ainsi que des factures des travaux effectués. La voiture est offerte avec son Jaguar Heritage Certificate, ses papiers de l’ASI, son libretto italien et un contrôle technique en cours de validité.