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In 1954 Jaguar replaced their seminal XK120 with the slightly upgraded XK140. It used the same basic architecture as the preceding model but featured several interior and body upgrades including full-width bumpers, increased interior space and rack & pinion steering. As before, it was offered as an Open Two Seater roadster, Drophead Coupe convertible or Hardtop Coupe.

Fresh from their victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Jaguar used their competition pedigree to sell the XK140. The principle brochure said “All the accumulated wealth of knowledge and experience gained in the hard school of racing have been built into the new XK140 models which are powered by the famous 3½ litre twin overhead camshaft XK engine.”

Upgrades to the body included a new grill with fewer slats and an integrated Jaguar badge. Front turn signals were installed on top of the fenders and amber driving lights were positioned just above the bumpers. The rear trunk lid featured a new central chrome accent and badges that spelled out “Winner Le Mans 1951–3.”

To make more interior room, the engine, firewall and dashboard were moved three inches forward. This relocated the battery to the inside of the driver's side fender. The result was increased leg room and more space for the occasional seats in the Hardtop Coupe and Drophead Coupe convertible.

Power was up slightly from the outgoing model thanks to the XK120's SE package which had more agressive camshafts and increased standard output to 190 bhp. The transmission ratios were slightly shorter and the front torsion bars were increased.

Options for the XK140 included wire wheels, a Laycock de Normanville overdrive and a Borg-Warner automatic transmission for the Hardtop Coupe and Drophead Coupe. Color options were Black, Birch Grey, Pastel Green, Pearl Grey, Pacific Blue, British Racing Green, Dove Grey, Suede Green, Red, Lavender Grey, Battleship Grey, Cream, Pastel Blue and Maroon.

An optional MC performance package used the C-Type's competition cylinder head with 2-inch H8 carburetors to produce 210 bhp at 5750 rpm. Further upgrades for the MC cars included twin exhausts, a high-speed crankshaft damper, adjustable fog lamps and windscreen washer jets.

Chassis & Sales

1956 Jaguar XK 140MC Roadster - sold for $82,500 The 1956 Jaguar XK 140MC Roadster offered here continues to benefit from a complete concours-level restoration that was completed in late 2003. It continues to present beautifully with an Indigo Blue exterior finish and a red leather interior, perfectly complemented by a tan canvas top and matching side curtains. Since restoration, the Jaguar has been judged at 99-plus points, winning no fewer than three awards under JCNA scrutiny. It was equi... more
Gallery: 2009 Meadow Brook Concours

1956 Jaguar XK 140MC Roadster - did not sell for $90,000 The 1956 Jaguar XK140 presented here is equipped with the “MC” option. The current owner purchased it in April 1976 from “Jeopardy” host and television personality Alex Trebek, who had owned and enjoyed the car for many years, accumulating approximately 68,000 miles during his ownership. In 1991, with the Jaguar now showing approximately 73,000 miles, it was completely disassembled and subjected to a photo-documented restoration with the ou... more
Gallery: 2009 Meadow Brook Concours

1956 Jaguar XK140 MC Roadster - sold for $82,500 This XK140 MC Roadster is an original left-hand drive, U.S.-delivery example featuring the top-line and very desirable “MC” package, a fabulous option combination comprising the “M” or “Special Equipment” package including a crankshaft damper, wire-spoke wheels, dual exhaust pipes and fog lamps. As indicated by the “C” designation, the 3.4-liter XK engine is equipped with a high-compression “C”-Type cylinder head raising output to 210 bhp. It ... more
Gallery: 2011 Monterey Auction by RM

1957 Jaguar XK140 Roadster 812462 - did not sell for $110,000 This 1957 XK140 OTS (Open Two Sweater) roadster is finished in beautiful Old English White and features a professionally installed Red leather interior with leather-bound wool carpets. The new Black canvas top, fitted with a glass rear window, disappears completely inside the bodywork to emphasize the Jaguar’s sleek lines, which are further accentuated by full rear fender skirts. Although most enthusiasts include wirer wheels in their image of... more
Gallery: 2011 Monterey Daytime Auction by Mecum

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