1956 Jaguar XK

The XK140 was introduced in late 1954 and sold as a 1955 model. Exterior changes that distinguished it from the XK120 included more substantial front and rear bumpers with overriders, and flashing turn signals (operated by a switch on the dash) above the front bumper. The grille remained the same size but became a one-piece cast unit with fewer, and broader, vertical bars. The Jaguar badge was incorporated into the grille surround. A chrome trim strip ran along the centre of the bonnet (hood) and boot (trunk) lid. An emblem on the boot lid contained the words Winner Le Mans 1951-3.The interior was made more comfortable for taller drivers by moving the engine, firewall and dash forward to give 3 inches more legroom. Two 6-volt batteries, one in each front wing were fitted to the Fixed Head Coupe, but Drop Heads and the Open Two Seater had a single 12-volt battery installed in the front wing on the passenger side. The XK140 was powered by the William Heynes designed 3.4 litre Jaguar XK double overhead camshaft inline-6 engine, with the Special Equipment modifications from the XK120, which raised the specified power by 10 bhp to 190 bhp at 5500 rpm, as standard. The optional C-Type cylinder head carried over from the XK120 catalogue, and produced 210 bhp at 5750 rpm. When fitted with the C-type head, 2-inch sand-cast H8 carburettors, heavier torsion bars and twin exhaust pipes, the car was designated XK140 SE in the UK and XK140 MC in North America. In 1956 the XK140 became the first Jaguar sports car to be offered with automatic transmission. As with the XK120, wire wheels and dual exhausts were options, with most XK140s imported into the United States having the optional wheels. Cars with the standard disc wheels had spats (fender skirts) over the rear wheel opening. Only 1959 LHD Fixed Head Coupes were produced out of the 8937 total XK140's. This very well preserved example was purchased by the Seller's Grandfather in 1957. The car has remained in his family since having passed first to his father, and to him in 2013 along with a few other family heirloom cars. He car has always been garaged and used on sunny summer days only. It has been maintained in running condition most of its life with the exception of a couple years prior to his grandfather's passing. The car presents very well overall with all its original finishes. We have not detailed the car as yet; but I do believe the car will clean up and buff out very well-so far we are presenting it as is since some buyers may prefer its paint to remain somewhat oxidized. The car runs and drives well with only the Tachometer not being operational. It starts right up with the touch of the button, running smooth and steady. Acceleration through the gears is crisp and true with the glorious exhaust note only a properly tuned Jaguar can produce. The car has a nice steady water temperature and strong oil pressure. Since the seller's acquisition, he has installed new Wheel Cylinders, new soft brake lines, and done other minor things. A new battery was just installed, and the oil was changed in preparation for the sale. Cars like this don't become available very often. To find a 32,000 mile original car mile from this era is hard enough but to find one that has been under continuous ownership for nearly 70 years that has really never been off the road is pretty special.