Lot 269: 1955 Jaguar XK 140 Coupe - RHD

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. This particular 140 is a beautiful fixed head coupe - much admired for the purity of its design and style. The vendor confirme that the car was restored in 2002 and in in very good to excellent condition throughout with a particularly good bodywork and paint finish. Attractractively finished in black with a tan interior with the glorious wooden dashboad and rear wheel spats this is indeed a stylish 1950's British touring car - with numerous and long term usage possible in the classic car world.2008 being the anniversary of the XK models much attention will be paid to these lovely cars this year and this is an ideal time to acquire an example as fine as this car is.