1955 Jaguar XK140 MC Roadster

1955 Jaguar XK140 MC Roadster
Chassis no. S811495DN
Engine no. G4064-8S
3,442cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
210bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Desirable high-performance MC version with C-Type cylinder head
*A factory left-hand-drive Roadster
*A wonderful Jaguar for tours and rallies
*Offered Jaguar-Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, owner's manual and service records

THE JAGUAR XK140

The XK140 offered many new features and improvements over the stunning XK120, which stood the automotive world on its ear at its Earl's Court introduction in 1948. Introduced in late 1954, the XK140 was again offered in Fixed-head coupe (FHC), Drop-head coupe (DHC) and Roadster (OTS) versions, all with a subtly restyled body. The new XK boasted a redesigned box-section frame with a more supple suspension that included larger torsion bars and anti-roll bars, improved brakes, and rack-and-pinion steering to replace the earlier recirculating-ball system. Perhaps most importantly for customers in the vital North American market, there was a larger and more comfortable cockpit with increased legroom, thanks to the engine and transmission assembly being moved forward by three inches, along with the firewall and instrument panel. The cowling and steering wheel were both raised. The XK140 boasted better parking protection via larger, full-width bumpers with over-riders, again with the American buyer in mind.

Beneath its shapely bonnet and redesigned grille rested a more powerful 190 horsepower 3.4-liter twin-cam six with higher-lift camshafts and an improved ignition system. A four-speed manual transmission with optional electric overdrive allowed the fortunate driver to enjoy relaxed motoring. Although the XK140 was a few hundred pounds heavier than the XK120, it was also faster, with a top speed of about 130 mph in standard form. A very desirable option was the C-type's higher-performance, larger-valved cylinder head, which gave an additional 20 horsepower, pushing output to about 210. These were called the Special Equipment models, or MC. That choice gave correspondingly quicker acceleration and a greater maximum speed. Almost 8900 units were shipped from the Coventry-based Jaguar works between 1954 and 1957, when the XK140 was superseded by the XK150.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This handsome XK140 MC Roadster was completed during the late Summer of 1955. By decoding the Jaguar's chassis number, it can be determined that the car left the Brown Lane Jaguar works in the same specification as it appears today; a left-hand-drive Roadster (or Open Two Seater/OTS as they are correctly referred to in Jaguar lingo), denoted with the S prefix in the chassis number for the Special Equipment including the C-Type cylinder head (more commonly known as the MC package), and with the DN suffix denoting its fitment with overdrive.

The new Jaguar was destined for the booming North American market and is believed to have found its first owner there. The car's early history remains unclear, but the Jaguar is known to have resided in the Pacific Northwest by the 1990s, where it was in the hands of Portland, Oregon-based Jaguar dealer and British car aficionado, Monte Shelton. The car is believed to have been a low mileage car at the time. It was here purchased by the consignor in 1994 and has remained in his care ever since. The sporting Jaguar XK140 MC Roadster has participated in several of Monte Shelton's well-known Pacific Northwest road rallies over the past decades and brought much joy to the drivers and co-drivers on these events.

Today, this fine XK140 MC Roadster is offered in striking red paint with gorgeous Chestnut-colored leather interior. The interior is topped by a handsome Moto-Lita wood-rimmed steering wheel, and the sparkling chromed-plated wire wheels as shod on Michelin tires. The car is supplied with the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, owner's manual and service records dating back to the 1990s. Offering sporting driving characteristics in the MC form, while clothed in Jaguar's elegant and timeless Roadster design, this fine classic would be a great companion on Sunday drives or road rallies such as the Copperstate 1000.