Description
The XK140 was introduced in late 1954 and sold as a 1955 model. Among the external changes that distinguished it from the XK120 were larger front and rear bumpers with overriders and flashing indicators mounted above the front bumper. The radiator grille retained the same size but was changed to a one-piece casting with fewer and wider vertical bars. The Jaguar badge was integrated into the grille surround. A chrome strip ran down the centre of the bonnet and boot lid. A badge on the boot lid bore the inscription "Winner Le Mans 1951-3".
The interior was made more comfortable for taller drivers by moving the engine, bulkhead and dashboard forward to provide 76 mm additional legroom. This makes the XK140 considerably more driveable even for people over 1. 80 m in height.
The XK140 is powered by the XK 3. 4-litre inline six-cylinder engine with dual overhead camshafts, producing the specified output of 190 bhp (142 kW) gross at 5500 rpm as standard. As with the XK120, wire wheels and dual exhaust systems were optional. Vehicles fitted with the standard disc wheels featured spats over the rear wheel arches.
This particular XK140 on offer was built on 17 December 1954 in this exact colour combination of Pacific Blue with Blue interior and Blue hood, and was delivered to the USA importer Hoffmann, New York. Discovered in 2019 in good condition with matching numbers, extremely rare and excellent value retention, it has been completely restored "nut and bolt". 1, 800 hours were invested. Every single fastener was handled, all cavities opened, only unrepairable body panels were professionally removed and replaced with new ones, the wooden door frames etc. and the entire electrical system were renewed. The greatest care was taken to work exactly as the Jaguar factory did in 1955. Every detail is in its correct place and exclusively lead solder rather than body filler was used for straightening the surfaces. A technique that only a few specialists master and practise today. The panel gaps and surfaces, the flat body panels speak for themselves.
Two clear coat layers were applied and additionally ceramic sealed. A classic in genuine Concours condition and better than new.
