1957 jaguar xk 140 mc

1957 Jaguar Other Description:

1957 Jaguar XK140MC Fixed Head Coupe

Chassis no. S815888

Engine no. G9388-9S

3,442cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine

2 SU Carburetors

210bhp at 5,500rpm

5-Speed Tremec Manual Transmission (see text)

Front Independent Suspension - Solid Rear Axle

4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Desirable factory MC specification

*Over $120,000 in recent maintenance and upgrades

*Enhanced mechanical specification for improved drivability

*Diligently maintained and preserved

*A popular choice for rallies and tours

THE JAGUAR XK140

While it has been said that the MG TC was the car that introduced America to the joys of sports cars in the late 1940s, it is arguably the Jaguar XK series that gave the sports car movement its style and dash. It is today difficult to believe that the company conceived the XK120 in 1948 as a limited-production specialty model to introduce and showcase the new twin-cam engine. By 1954 - 12,000 examples later - it was clear that it was something else altogether. The XK140 was launched in 1954, giving buyers what they loved about the 120, but with benefits of vastly improved steering, better cooling and brakes and most importantly, increased legroom thanks to a relocation of the engine and firewall.

Also new was the option of a 'C-Type' cylinder head, borrowed from the Le Mans winning competition car. Jaguars so equipped were called 'SE' in the UK and 'MC' in the 'States. The package also included dual exhaust, wire wheels and fog lamps. The added power and improved breathing of the C-Type head gave the MC cars a quicker and more exciting response and this specification is much prized by enthusiast drivers.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

According to the Jaguar Heritage Certificate offered with this car, it was finished on November 6, 1956 and shipped to New York on November 19. From New York it was shipped to its fortunate first owner, Mr. Ronald Busch of Lemon Grove, California.

The car's second owner was a fellow Southern Californian from Oceanside who changed the Jag's color scheme from its original black over red hides to white over tan. Retained until his death, the next owner purchased the car through a dealer in August of 2003. Since acquisition the XK has been actively enjoyed as a 'rolling restoration' with occasional driving being punctuated by meticulous maintenance and upgrades.

Over the course of the last 13 years, a new interior has been installed, a Guy Broad power steering conversion kit was fitted, a stereo was put in place, a 5-speed Tremec gearbox replaced the old Moss 4-speed close ratio gearbox (the original transmission will accompany the car, should fitment back to factory specification be desired), an upgraded ignition and electrical system was installed, a stainless steel exhaust system added, an aluminum radiator was furnished, and the engine was rebuilt—among other things. Overall, receipts totally nearly $120,000 document the extensive work done to produce the lovely vehicle you see today. May of 2015, we purchased the car. Since purchase we would enjoy driving the vehicle on Sunday’s around the Gold Coast of the North Shore of Long Island, New York.

By any standard, the XK Fixed Head Coupe is one of the most beautiful Jaguars ever designed, clearly influenced by the great streamlined 'teardrop' coupes of the 1930s. What is offered here is an eminently usable XK140, with the desirable factory-fitted MC package, restored and maintained to a level which ensures that its driving performance will match its handsome looks.