Jaguar XK140 SE - MC

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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 now capable of 140mph (hence the name). 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 luxuriously 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, roadster and drop-head. A total of 8,956 XK140s were made before it was replaced by the larger XK150 in 1957.

In 1955 the factory introduced an upgraded model for the US called the 'MC' (M for modified, C for C-type). This had a C-Type head and larger carburettors which boosted power to 210bhp. Thicker torsion bars, a twin-exhaust system and wire wheels were also part of the package which cost an additional $295.

This XK140 MC was sold through Jaguar Cars New York. First registered in 1957 in the New York area, its early history is unclear. The car surfaced in Venice Beach, California when it was purchased by M Donora in 1971 directly from its first owner. By 1977 it had changed hands again, to be exported back to the UK in September 1989. Purchased on behalf of Mr A Williams, its restoration was started by T Longland of Carlhampton, Surrey, the car subsequently being advertised in the Exchange and Mart in 1990 as an ongoing project. Purchased by a friend of the vendor, the car languished in his shed until 2004 when the vendor finally managed to prize it out of him.

At this stage, it had already been converted to RHD and was fairly comprehensively stripped down. The car was further dismantled to its constituent parts and then carefully rebuilt using many new components supplied by Guy Broad Ltd as shown by the accompanying photographic record.

The engine was given to Guy Broad’s engine division - Chesman Engineering for machining, the unit being built back up by a good friend of the vendor. The correct C-Type head was fitted with unleaded valves and when the motor was reinstalled in the chassis, it was mated to a new Guy Broad (Getrag) all-synchro gearbox and replacement propshaft (the original items being included in the sale).

The vendor then fitted Guy Broad twin-pot calliper front disc brakes (retaining the originals) which according to him are most effective. The twin SU carburettors were reconditioned, again by Guy Broad with new parts from Burlen Services. The car was then fitted with a set of new chrome wire wheels from MWS International (again the standard wires are included) and fitted with a stainless steel exhaust.

After a high quality respray in Maroon, the car was sent to Guy Broad’s upholsterer who fully retrimmed the interior in contrasting biscuit leather, the woodwork also being restored to a similar standard.

Completed in 2006, the vendor has used it for extended trips and reports that it goes as well as it looks (which must be very well!). Taxed until March next year it remains in lovely condition and has been carefully upgraded, the vendor sensibly retaining all of the changed components which are in excellent condition so that the car can easily be returned to standard, matching numbers specification should its lucky new owner so wish.