1955 Jaguar XK140 Aluminium Roadster
Registration no. 363 UYE
Chassis no. S811941
Engine no. G6506-8S

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 3" 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 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 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.

This XK140 roadster was exported to Jaguar Cars, New York, USA on 3rd January 1956. Since returning to the UK the car has been extensively restored to the most exacting of standards by a world-renowned marque specialists Leaping Cats Ltd (there are few XKs out there that have not received a panel or part made by them).

Works undertaken included manufacturing a new alloy shell using the original steel body pattern. At this time the chassis was also subject to restoration to the highest possible standard. The new body features a scooped rear bulkhead and tilting bucket seats with an extended pedal box for extra legroom, while the louvered bonnet is modelled on that of the most famous of all XK120s, 'NUB 120'. The paintwork presents resplendently in reflex silver, finished to concours standard. The wheel box and battery panels were finished in black.

The XK has been retrimmed with dark and light grey leather and is complete with a complementary dark blue tonneau in mohair and dark blue carpets. The hood was also renewed in dark blue mohair.

Mechanically the 3.4 litre engine was the subject of a rebuild. New pistons, main and big end bearings were fitted and the cranckshaft re-ground. The rear crank seal was modified, con rods resized and new small end bushes where fitted. The Type 'C' cylinder head has had new valves fitted, guides and tappet buckets, new seats and camshaft bearings.

Other notable upgrades include power steering; disc brakes front and rear; five-speed LT77 gearbox, Polybush suspension; whilst the radiator has been fitted with a modern high efficiency core and electric cooling fan; 2" SU HD8 carburettors; pertronix electric ignition; and a battery cut-off switch.

Only completed in 2020, and presented in commensurate condition, this extensively upgraded XK140 wants for nothing but a new owner to enjoy its superior performance.