Launched in 1954 in readiness for the 1955 model year, the now iconic Jaguar XK140 wasn’t so much a new car as it was a refinement of the one before it. The ‘50s were a time of learning, and Jaguar did a lot of that based on the feedback from XK120 owners. The general consensus was that owners loved it. However, it was a tad too small for some, it wasn’t as sharp to drive as its looks suggested, and it was lacking some more modern features.
Jaguar responded with this, the XK140. A more resolved, more complete vision of that original design. It had a more powerful version of the XK double overhead camshaft straight-six, it had rack-and-pinion steering for a more involved drive and the engine and transmission were moved forward resulting in three more inches of legroom. Taller buyers rejoiced.
Jaguar also changed some visual features, but only slightly. The XK140 got a new grille with the badge incorporated and fewer vertical slats. Indicators were fitted above the new, more substantial front bumper and a chrome strip running the length of the car was fitted to the bonnet and boot. It was an evolution of an already popular model. Jaguar wanted to improve, not re-invent. And it did it brilliantly.
This is a Jaguar XK140 that has lived a life and that has been enjoyed almost constantly since it rolled out of Henley’s showroom in Manchester back on the 1st of June 1955. Originally, the car was Birch Grey. The interior, however, is and always has been red. It looks to be the original interior in fact.
Of the years, the car saw time with a number of owners. The current custodian has had the XK140 for some six years and has only elected to part with it due to a lack of use. Prior to the current owner, the car went through a number of changes, most obvious being the colour. At one point it was yellow and then laterred, before being painted the royal blue you see now. The car has been restored in the past, and has been on the receiving end of other mechanical works as and when needed.
The car came into its current guise six years ago. It was acquired by a specialist in Bristol who stripped the car back to bare metal and repainted it. New hubs and splines were fitted, and the running gear was given a refresh in the form of a full service and inspection.
Later, with the current owner, the car was handed over to Bristol Classic & Sportscars Ltd in Clevedon who, in 2017, gave the XK an engine overhaul service, rebuilt the brakes, rebuilt the steering rack and other sundry items like boots and fittings. In 2018, they replaced the head gasket, skimmed the head, fitted new plugs and serviced the engine.
Photographs included with the sale also show that in the past, the car has been given a body-off restoration. This is evident not only from the aforementioned photographs, but also from the impressive condition and level of protection on the chassis today.
There is plenty of paperwork to support the life of this glorious old Jaguar. From the aluminium bound (no, really) operator manual through to parts catalogue and everything in between. There is a V5 in place, of course, and also a whole host of previous MOT certificates from when the car required one.
The most crucial paperwork is of course that which details all the work we mentioned earlier. Full, hand-written invoices are present. Each of which goes into great detail about the work done to the engine, the suspension, the steering, the electrics and much more. It all serves to show that this car has been maintained with little regard for cost. Just what you want to see.
Finally, there are copies of photographs from a past restoration during the time the car was yellow. In these images, we can see the body coming off the chassis, and we can also see how well said chassis was restored and treated. These photos are accompanied by a letter from a previous owner who goes on to explain how much fun the car has been at events and drives out with other classic enthusiasts.
Slide onto the perfectly worn, soft read leather and you’re in for a treat. Despite the 140’s diminutive stature, the cabin feels rather light and airy. It’s all pleasingly original in here, too. The imposing steering wheel is in fine-fettle, including the all-important roaring jaguar in the centre. The dashboard is in good order from left to right. There is the odd nick and imperfection, but commensurate with age, not neglect. All the dials are bright, clear and functional. The chrome toggle switches are perfectly patinated and as a result, are wonderfully tactile. In the lower centre of the dash, there is a removable panel (held in place by magnets) that, when removed, reveals a modern Sony head unit which is paired to speakers mounted under the dash itself.
The seats are all in good order, with no damage to be noted. They are keen to show their age, of course, but in a ‘broken in’ fashion. The door cards are excellent, as are the handles and pulls affixed to each. The wood cappings on the doors are solid enough, though may benefit from some varnish in the not too distant.
The carpets are clearly of a newer sort, and are made to measure and so fit the cabin perfectly. There is hefty sound deadening under them, too. Lifting all this up reveals solid floors and not so much as a hint of moisture.
Other internal features include the rear squabs/seats, which look to be original. The headlining again looks to be that of the factory, and while it has taken on some colour over the years, it’s not sagging and nor is it sporting any rips or damage.
Finally, we have the boot. Lined in red, it’s clean and dry and under the lift-up panel we find more of the same solid metal and clean surfaces. There is even a spare wire wheel in place, too. There is no sign of corrosion around the filler, nor in any of the box section bracing that can be seen in the boot.
Finished a shade of Royal Blue, the XK140 was repainted around seven years ago. This was a bare metal repaint, and as such, the metalwork underneath it is largely rock solid. The paint itself still holds a deep shine, though it would benefit from a machine polish. Furthermore, there is some micro blistering in places. Other issues are a hairline crack at the base of the windscreen surround area on the nearside, and there is also an unfortunate scratch on the nearside rear arch. Minor issues though, and they in no way detract from the overall excellent condition of this car.
The chrome is all in good order, with only minor age-related pitting to be observed. The emblems are all excellent, including the sought after Le Mans one on the boot lid. The bumpers would perhaps benefit from a polish, but that’s about all there is to report. The lights are all excellent, with good lenses front and back. One marker light on the offside front has some condensation, and there is some slight corrosion at the base.
The wire wheels are all in presentable condition, and all wear the correct Jaguar centre nuts and all are wrapped in period correct Blockley tyres. The glass is all in good order, as are all the rubbers and seals. It is, quite simply, a very, very attractive car, and one that with a bit of detailing, could be something exemplary.
Having been recently fitted with a new head gasket, including a cylinder head skim, the big straight six is in excellent order. It fires up on the button and burbles quite happily, emitting a captivating throb through the twin exhaust system as it does. It revs keenly and cleany, with no smoke nor any untoward rattles or noises. It loses no fluid, and it soon gets to operating temperature. A Kenlowe electric fan has been fitted (the car is now a 12-volt negative earth) which keeps the coolant temperature under control.
The manual gearbox offers a slick, mechanical change. The brakes, having been rebuilt, are in rude health and bring the big cat to a stop without drama. The suspension is supple but tight, with no bangs or knocks, and the steering is pleasingly sharp and direct - the joys of the KX140’s use of rack-and-pinion. Finally, the differential has been serviced and rebuilt and as such, is free from any groans or whines.
This is the sort of car you could and should use on the regular. It’s a machine that is used to the open road. It’s been used on rallies and events in the past, it has undertaken drives into Europe as well as up and down the British Isles and as such, has become accustomed to being used rather than not. Dialed in, that’s the best way to describe this car.
This 1955 Jaguar XK140 is the perfect storm in many respects. It has been restored in the past, which is of course a great thing. But that restoration was long enough ago that the car now has some age to it, and as such, it’s not one you need to be overly precious or protective about. You can take this out to a show, you can use it to pop to the shops, you could even use it for classic road rally events if you wanted. Just so long as you do, in fact, use it. It’s ready now for its next adventure.
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Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
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1955 Jaguar XK140
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