MOTOR CARS | 43Launched in 1954, like its forbear, the XK140 was built in three model
types: roadster, coupt and drophead coupt, the latter two offering
usefully increased cabin space and occasional rear seats. Outwardly the
newcomer was distinguishable by its revised radiator grille, rear lights
incorporating Åashing indicators, and larger bumpers - the latter adopted
to withstand the cut and thrust of urban parking.
The power unit remained Jaguar’s well-tried, 3.4-litre, twin-cam six,
which now produced 190bhp in standard trim thanks to higher-lift
camshafts and revised porting. To ensure reliability, steel bearing caps
replaced the previous cast-iron type. A close-ratio gearbox enabled
better use to be made of the increased performance while Laycock-
de Normanville overdrive became an option for the first time. Special
Equipment (SE) XK140s came with wire wheels and Lucas fog lamps,
and could be ordered with an engine developing 210bhp courtesy of the
C-type cylinder head. XK140 performance was well up to the standards
set by its exemplary predecessor, contemporary magazine road-tests
regularly recording top speed figures in excess of 120mph. Tested by
Road & Track magazine, a <SA-specification ?K140 MC (as the C-type
head-equipped SE version was known there) recorded a 0-60mph time
of .4 seconds on the way to a top speed of 121.1mph.
One of 1,9 5 ?K140 coupts made in left-hand drive configuration, this
desirable ‘SE’ model was discovered in California needing restoration,
and was imported into the UK by the current vendor in 1992. The car was
kept in storage until 2002 when it was despatched to renowned marque
specialists Fullbridge Restorations for a concours-standard rebuild, which
was completed in 200 . 0n the course of restoration, ºS 1575 BW’ was
fitted with a correct Moss four-speed manualoverdrive gearbox, replacing
the original Borg Warner automatic. Since the rebuild’s completion in
2006, the XK has been used regularly and serviced as required. The car
was MoT’d annually from 2005 until the last MoT in November 2014
by J D Classics, after which the United Kingdom DVLA requirement for
renewal was cancelled for classic cars. In 2011 the engine was rebuilt by
Fullbridge and the cylinder head upgraded to C-type specification.Following a scrape to the passenger’s side, JD Classics undertook a
repaint of the entire car in 2012, and at the same time replaced the
ignition system with one of their own electronic systems. In July 2014
JDC carried out a full service and replacement of worn parts, including
the rear suspension springs (see bill for 9,11 . 0 on file). The most
substantial history file contains invoices for all works carried out from
1992 to date, together with a comprehensive photographic record. A
lovely ?K140 SE coupt equipped with the desirable C-type-specification
cylinder head.
£60,000 - 80,000
€70,000 - 94,000