Left-hand drive
1955 Jaguar XK140 SE Roadster 1955
Chassis no. S810495
Engine no. G1650-8S

'If the XK140 is an extremely fast car, it is also a very docile one. It has absolutely perfect traffic manners... Above all though, this is an ideal long-distance car, and would be sheer heaven for Continental touring.' – John Bolster, 'Autosport'.

Newly introduced for 1955, the Jaguar XK140 was broadly similar to, though more refined than, its sensational XK120 predecessor, major engineering changes being confined to the repositioning of the engine 7.5cm further forward and the adoption of rack-and-pinion steering. The suspension and brakes remained much as before, though with stiffer torsion bars at the front and telescopic shock absorbers replacing lever type at the rear. Outwardly the newcomer was distinguishable by its revised radiator grille, rear lights incorporating flashing indicators, and larger bumpers. The power unit remained Jaguar's well-tried, 3.4-litre, twin-cam six, which now produced 190bhp in standard trim. A close-ratio gearbox enabled better use to be made of the increased performance and overdrive became an option for the first time. Special Equipment (SE) cars 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 road-tests regularly recording top speed figures in excess of 120mph.

Sold new via Jaguar's East Coast, USA distributor, Hoffman of New York, this beautiful XK140SE roadster has the desirable C-type cylinder head option. The car had enjoyed only three owners in the United States prior to its acquisition by the current vendor in 2010, since when it has been resident in Spain. Chassis number 'S810495' was owned by Hal Graham for the first 23 years of its life, followed by Floyd Mitchell (12 years) and then William Burnette of Huntsville, Alabama, during whose ownership it was extensively restored, the work being carried out in the 1990s (invoices on file). Noteworthy features include negative earth electrics, an alternator (original dynamo with car), a Kenlowe electric cooling fan, new Vredestein radial tyres, and its original keys. Described as in generally excellent condition, the car is offered with an original 'Operating, Maintenance and Service Handbook', US Certificate of Title, Spanish registration papers ('Permiso de Circulation'), valid technical inspection (expires May 2016), and Jaguar Heritage Certificate confirming all matching numbers.