Lot 352: 1957 Jaguar XK140 Drophead coupe

The XK140 was introduced in October 1954 at the London Motor Show as the successor to the XK120. It was easily distinguishable from its predecessor because of its more substantial front and rear bumpers, the radiator grille with fewer slats and a chromium strip which ran along the centre of the bonnet and boot. Under the bonnet the XK140 had the superb six cylinder 3.4 litre engine which was basically the same as the Special Equipment XK120 unit, and thus capable of producing 190bhp at 5,600rpm, compared to the 160bhp of the standard XK120. Like the XK120, however, the XK140 had independent front suspension with semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear. The XK140 sold very well indeed, with orders flooding in. This was for two reasons: firstly due to the excellence of the old XK120, which had won so many peoples' hearts; and because of the enormous success Jaguar was enjoying in international motor racing, winning Le Mans in 1951 and 1953 with the C-Type and in 1955, 1956 and 1957 with the D-Type. Described by the vendor as presenting in excellent condition in every respect and having undergone a 7 year restoration in this classic motorcars native England, this eminently flexible sportscar, equally at home on the boulevards of the Cote D'Azur and the racing circuits of Europe, represents a splendid example of the marque.La voiture a beneficiee d'une restauration en Grande Bretagne pendant sept ans. Trs bien prsente, elle est prte courir ou prendre la grande route.