1955 Jaguar XK140MC Roadster

Vehicle Description

This XK140 MC Roadster was built November 17, 1955 at the Jaguar Coventry factory. Dispatched on January 16, 1956 to Charles Hornburg Distributors in Los Angeles. While the original owner is unknown, by the early 1970's it was in Indiana where it was purchased and moved to Florida during which time it underwent a partial restoration/repaint in the late 1980's. It was then sold to two owners in Oregon, the latter being the previous owner who acquired it in July of 1995. During his ownership, the body was removed from the frame and repainted in PPG Delstar acrylic enamel in British Racing Green. All trim was removed and re-chromed and polished.

A biscuit-colored, correct interior from G.M. Bartlett Co. was installed along with a black canvas top with new side curtains and a zippered tonneau cover. New stainless 60-spoke wire wheels with radial tires. Includes spare wheel/tire, some tools. The entire brake system was rebuilt, including master cylinder, hoses and wheel cylinders (there is a slight pull from the front left caliper). The original engine was rebuilt by a British Motor Cars specialist. This car wears the Type C competition cylinder head from new (achieving 210hp from the 3.4 liter 6 cylinder engine). It is mated to a 4-speed manual transmission with electric overdrive, said to be rebuilt during the overhaul. A stainless steel exhaust system was installed.

The current owner purchased the car in June of 2022 relocating it back to California. Work done since then includes steering rack mounts, alignment, carburetor rebuild, distributor rebuild, cooling hoses, and new hydraulic fluid. There is no known rust.

The paint shows well today with a deep shine and indications of age and use. There is a crack in the lacquer on the top of the bonnet and some common blisters. A mobile paint repair specialist should be able to address these easily. There are minor blemishes on the outside edges of the seat backs. It starts easily (electric choke through two SU 8H carburetors), idles smoothly, and runs cool (the radiator was re-cored under previous ownership). Gauges were reportedly rebuilt under previous ownership but the fuel gauge does not read. Shifting is smooth, 2nd gear synchros need time to warm up. The tires are due for replacement. Included with the sale is a binder showing restoration and service receipts totaling nearly $70,000, side curtains, a Jaguar Heritage Certificate, partial service records, and a clean title. A cold start video can be found here: https://youtu.be/dnL7j2TB9rU

This car has had limited use since purchase with just over 400 miles added in 3 years. It’s a joy to drive and turns heads everywhere it goes. We are excited to find an enthusiastic owner who can enjoy it for years to come. I am representing the car on behalf of the owner, please contact Jeff for more details.