Fantasy Junction

Description

1957 Jaguar 140 MC/SE Roadster

Chassis No. – S813021DN
Eng. No. G9573-9S
Exterior Color – Cream
Interior Color – Black Leather
Engine – 3.4L six-cylinder dual overhead cam in-line six
Transmission – 4-speed manual
Current Miles – 53,168 TMU

General Overview

Jaguar XK series cars are regarded as among the most drivable and enjoyable classic sports cars of the 1950’s. The first of the series, the XK120 offered an all-new twin-cam inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 120 mph performance at a surprisingly affordable price. By 1955, the XK140 arrived, offering notable improvements including more legroom, increased horsepower, rack and pinion steering, telescoping shock absorbers, and improved brakes. Coupe, drophead coupe, and roadster versions were available with a range of performance options.

The successor to the 120, the 140 was available in coupe, drophead coupe, or OTS (Open Two Seater) more generally referred to as “roadster’. The 140 design offered improved legroom increased horsepower, rack and pinion steering, telescoping shock absorbers, and improved brakes. And while performance remained the same, the SE (Special Equipment) variant delivered 190 horsepower for more spirited driving. Further still, with the C-Type head offered in the MC designation, output increased to 210 hp.

History of this Jaguar

This beautiful and correct left-hand-drive example was purchased by the current owner in 2015. Having enjoyed prior California history and plated with vintage California yellow and black license plates, this Jaguar is documented with a Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate verifying the matching number C-Type head and block with the correct 9S designation found in the SE (Special Equipment) models. Additionally, this SE roadster was also fitted with a close-ratio 4-speed manual transmission with overdrive and dual exit exhaust as found in the MC models.

Finished at the factory on November 22, 1956, this Jaguar was painted Cream, trimmed with black interior, white piping interior accents, and a black soft top. The car was then dispatched December 6, 1956, to the selling dealer and subsequently sold to the first owner, Patrick W. Moore, a resident of New York. As a factory MC/SE, the close ratio 4-speed/overdrive combination adds to the rarity as it has been reported that a mere 27 MCs were outfitted from the factory with this configuration.

Though early history is not known at this time, prior owners report that this Jaguar remained in the Eastern Tri-State area remaining with the original owner until 1977 when it was used as payment in a real-estate transaction. While details of that transaction remain unknown, the car was placed in storage until 1995 and purchased by the second owner. Though still retaining worn and tired original finishes, the car remained in operable condition displaying the original miles when it was sold to George Hughes of Authorized Imported Cars of Flemington, NJ where it remained until 2008 when a nut and bolt restoration was commissioned to a high standard.

During the restoration, the car was disassembled entirely, stripped to bare metal, minor areas of rust intrusion were properly repaired, and all opening features were adjusted and fit to the main body. During the restoration, the team was careful to preserve as many of the original factory body panel welds as possible, many of which can still be seen. The original engine and transmission were removed, comprehensively rebuilt and restored to correct finishes, and all suspension, brakes, and lines replaced as needed or reconditioned to original specifications. The exterior was finished in the correct Cream color and the interior trimmed with black leather and contrasting white piping per factory specifications. Modestly upgraded with a lacquered burled wood dash and Moto Lita steering wheel, the car is otherwise correct including the chrome plated wire wheels. Interestingly, the heater was not installed during the restoration, as such, the car remains without one today. The restoration was completed in 2010 where it was then shown locally, driven just over 300 miles under prior ownership (52,239 miles) and sold to the current owner who purchased the car in 2015.

Condition Overview

Today, this Jaguar XK140 SE Roadster makes a strong visual impression featuring excellent exterior cosmetics, beautiful chrome, wire wheels, and road lamps. The smooth paintwork retains a consistent glossy finish, accented by chrome wire wheels and dual ear knockoffs wearing 185 HR 16 Vredestein Sprint Classic tires. The body is straight with excellent panel gaps and opening/closing operation. The headlights and road lamps nicely accent the beautiful front end, with all emblems, lettering, and trim in excellent condition including the rubber windshield gasket, chrome trimmed frame, excellent windshield, and correct windshield wipers. A black canvas top and side curtains are included with the car, but a set of top bows will need to be acquired by the next owner to complete the top assembly.

The interior offers beautiful and correct finishes including correctly finished black leather seats with white and wide band competition style lap belts. The carpet is in excellent condition, while the door trim and perimeter materials also offer excellent finishes. The dashboard is very nicely finished, featuring correctly restored original instruments, beautiful lacquered burled wood dash, and a wood rimmed steering wheel. The storage area behind the seats is nicely finished in matching materials while the exterior perimeter materials correctly finish the cockpit.

The engine compartment is attractive and well prepared with correct hardware, hoses, and fittings per factory specifications. The matching numbers engine block and red finished C-Type high performance head are properly finished reflective of the 9S designation found in the SE model. Additional features include correct porcelain finished exhaust headers, an upgraded aluminum radiator, and dual SU carburetors. The trunk is fully trimmed with the correct trunk liner, red jack, grease gun, and full sized wire wheel stowed under the trunk floor. The undercarriage appears sound with no visual evidence of structural compromise, stainless steel dual exhaust, Spax Krypton adjustable shock absorbers, leaf spring covers, and an overdrive 4-speed transmission.

The car starts easily, runs and drives very well, and has smooth progressive acceleration in all four speeds. The elegant interior is roomier than earlier 120 models with more legroom for shifting and a generally more comfortable seating position. The chassis and suspension have been properly sorted benefiting from the adjustable Spax shocks. The brakes operate smoothly in keeping with the times and the gearbox shifts easily, adding to the overall driving experience and pleasure one might expect in both casual touring, or highway driving, particularly so with the added factory overdrive.

This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a handsome, genuine, matching numbers XK140 MC/SE Roadster with wonderful driving manners, beautiful cosmetics, and rare designation. Lovingly enjoyed and properly maintained, this Jaguar XK140 roadster is ready for shows, Jaguar club events, and tours or simply to experience the pleasure of vintage motoring in one of the finest sports cars of the 20th century.

Items Included with this Jaguar

This Jaguar is accompanied by a loose canvas convertible top complete with back window, side curtains, a maintenance chart, floor mats, a knockoff hammer, tire jack, and grease gun.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608