Transmission: 4 gears, Manual gearbox
Manufacturer: Metropole Classics BV Meubellaan 1 6651KV DRUTEN, NL 0031653328817 http://www.metropole.nl [email protected]

At the mere mention of the name Jaguar, many car enthusiasts sit up and take notice. The iconic brand, which rose to prominence under the inspiring leadership of Sir William Lyons, has produced stunning models and achieved one success after another. Name any major race and Jaguar will have taken part, usually finishing in the top three.

Racing was deeply ingrained in the DNA of the noble British brand, and so too in that of the XK140, which was introduced in late 1954. It was the successor to the successful XK120, which had come onto the market just after the Second World War and had been developed with racing in mind. With the XK140, the focus was primarily on comfort and ease of driving, as this made the car more appealing to the American market. Three body styles were available: the roadster (or Open Two-Seater, OTS), the convertible (Drop Head Coupé, DHC) and the coupé (Fixed Head Coupé). The main difference between the OTS and the DHC was that the roadster’s soft top folded away completely. The DHC was also slightly more luxurious than the OTS, and the windscreen could not be removed as it could on the roadster.

The engine was positioned slightly further forward than in the XK120, which improved legroom. The finish was more luxurious and the handling was better thanks to improved suspension and more modern shock absorbers. In terms of the engine, Jaguar retained the 3.4-litre ‘in-line six’ with twin overhead camshafts, which formed the basis for the engine used until the 1990s. Power increased to 193 bhp for the standard version and 213 bhp for the faster variant (the SE).

The XK140 we are pleased to offer is a Roadster that left the factory as an SE. It is a very early example, as the accompanying certificate from the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust states a production date of 6 December 1954. The car was delivered via the well-known importer Max Hoffman in New York to its first owner, Virgil R Sousa from Massachusetts. He ordered the car in red with a black interior. The car still retains that colour combination. The original seats have been replaced by more comfortable bucket seats, but the original ones are included with the car. The car was restored around the turn of the century and, although it is an ‘older’ restoration, the car is still in very fine condition. To make the XK better suited for rallying and long-distance driving, the current owner has made a number of modifications.

For instance, electric power steering has been fitted, the ignition system has been updated, the car has a more modern alternator, and the drum brakes have been replaced with disc brakes. The cooling system has been improved, which is ideal for driving in the mountains. In short, this car truly offers everything you need to take part in classic car rallies or events. We warmly invite you to come and see it for yourself!