Jaguar XK140 Roadster

Launched at the 1954 London Motor Show as the successor to the sensational XK120 which had appeared in 1948, the XK140 was broadly similar to the outgoing model but considerably more refined with a host of mechanical improvements.

Under the bonnet the XK140 retained Jaguar's well-proven 3.4-litre twin-cam six, which now produced 190bhp in standard trim thanks to higher-lift camshafts and revised porting – up 30bhp from the standard XK120 and easily capable of speeds in excess of 120mph. A close-ratio gearbox enabled better use to be made of the increased performance, as did stiffer torsion bars on the front suspension and new telescopic shock absorbers to the rear. Steering was also improved with the adoption of the rack-and-pinion set up from the Le Mans-winning C-Type racer.

The superbly trimmed cabin was also notably roomier as the engine and bulkhead were now three inches further forward, a modification which also improved weight distribution and handling. External changes were limited to a wider radiator grille, rear lights incorporating flashing indicators, and larger bumpers front and rear.

Three body styles were offered, fixed-head, drop-head and roadster, the latter being the most attractive of all. A total of 8,951 XK140s were made before it was replaced by the larger XK150 in 1957, of which just 3,356 were roadsters, all but 74 of these in left-hand drive.

As its chassis number confirms, this particular Roadster was made in early 1954 and is the 211th car built. Originally left-hand drive, it was supplied new by Hoffman of New York in November 1954 to first owner M Tischler of the same city. Not much is known of the subsequent history of the car but an Arizona Certificate of Title in the history file shows that it was in that state in 1987, shortly afterwards being exported to the UK.

The current owner acquired the car in April 2010 and immediately set about a total nut-and-bolt rebuild which took two years to complete and has resulted in the magnificent specimen you see today. The extent of the work carried out is too detailed to list in full but is fully documented by many bills and photographs in the history file.

During the restoration the car was converted to right-hand drive and a new Guy Broad-supplied Broadsport 5-speed gearbox fitted which cost £2,937. The engine was completely stripped and rebuilt and converted to run on unleaded fuel. Braking has been uprated with discs at the front. The interior was professionally retrimmed in beige leather and a new set of matching weather gear (including hood and sidescreens) has also been fitted.

The panel fit and the dark blue paintwork are superb, as is all the chrome. Pleasingly the car still rides on the original fitment steel wheels, shod with period-looking BF Goodrich Silvertown tyres, for a really authentic 50s look. A Heritage Certificate confirms that the engine is the original unit fitted to the car.

Since the restoration was completed the car has covered less than 100 miles and is effectively still running in. Taxed until July and MOT’d until August, this gorgeous sportscar, sensibly and discreetly uprated for modern road conditions, is ready to enjoy right away. One of William Lyons' most beautiful designs, it is sure to attract a huge amount of attention wherever it goes.