1957 JAGUAR XK140 M.C. LHD ROADSTER

When the Jaguar XK 120 was launched in 1948 it created a sensation. The styling of the new car, influenced by the BMW 328 Mille Miglia specials, together with the remarkable performance from its new six-cylinder twin O.H.C. engine was offered at a much lower price than other European cars of similar specification and became a great success overnight. Twenty one year old Stirling Moss who drove an XK120 to victory in the 1950 TT Race said, “It felt comfortable in the wet, and, with the Jag, it was an advantage because it lightened the steering and saved the brakes. I took the lead on the second lap and won”.

A logical progression from the XK120, the XK140 was launched in 1954. Engineering changes from the XK120 were a placement of the engine further forward and the adoption of rack and pinion steering as used on the sport racing C-Type. Three models were available in roadster, fixed-head coupe and drop head coupe versions. Visual changes were a modified radiator grille and larger bumpers. The engine remained unchanged except for a power increase to 190 bhp. Road tests in contemporary magazines reported a top speed in excess of 120 mph.

This left hand drive example of the M.C. roadster, known in the U.K. as the special equipment model, is a multiple concours entrant. It was delivered new to the US, like so many XK cars which were much admired by Hollywood actors such as Robert Mitchum. This 1957 four-speed manual XK140 is in very original condition though it has benefitted from paint and re-trimming. It was built as a show car for the US market and features chromed plug lead loom and other engine components.

CHASSIS NO: G83798S

ENGINE NO: G8379-8S

UNREGISTERED