Lot 1051: 1955 Jaguar XK 140SE Open Two Seater Roadster

By any standard, the Jaguar XK 120 was a hard act to follow. From its introduction in 1949 it had set the worldwide standard for appearance, performance and value. Wisely Jaguar created its successor, the XK 140, by retaining the XK 120’s strengths and correcting some of its shortcomings.

Introduced in October 1954 the XK 140 incorporated a number of detail improvements including larger torsion bars for the front suspension and rack and pinion steering. The standard engine incorporated the XK 120’s Special Equipment 8:1 compression ratio and high lift camshafts, raising rated power to 180 horsepower. The bumpers were slightly larger. A new hood badge recognized Jaguar’s victory at Le Mans while a chrome strip decorated the car’s centerline and a diecast grille featured fewer vertical bars. Inside, accommodations were slightly larger with increased foot room possible by relocating the engine and transmission 3” farther forward in the chassis. This also permitted the battery to be relocated under the hood from behind the seats in the XK 120.

A more affluent market demanded more comfortable Jaguars. While XK 120 production was heavily skewed to the basic Roadster, Fixed and Drophead Coupés outnumber XK 140 Roadsters. Even the spare and elemental roadster saw the effect of Jaguar’s move upscale as the enhanced Special Equipment model, the XK 140SE, received equipment and appearance upgrades but, in its standard form, the regular XK 140 engine rated at an additional 10 horsepower through use of different 1 3/4” SU carburetors. SE equipment included wire wheels, dual exhausts, windshield wipers and fog lights as well as a more fully-finished trunk.

The 1955 XK 140SE Open Two Seater Roadster offered here is a non-C head motorcar in SE configuration. Restored in the 1990’s, it is particularly attractive in its Red over Biscuit leather livery. It has recently been prepared by a Jaguar specialist who has incorporated mechanical upgrades for reliable performance while freshening the restoration to its present fine condition. He is very complimentary of its operation (it “runs and drives excellently”) and it will be supplied with a set of OEM driving lights, full set of tools, jack, and factory brochures.

Combining the sporting flair of the Open Two Seater Roadster, the XK 140’s greater interior room and mechanical layout, the enhanced finish and equipment of the Special Equipment model, this XK 140SE is a particularly desirable and attractive car both for collectors who appreciate its style and rarity and for those who want one of the best-performing and comfortable Jaguars available for road tours and events.