- Stunning frame-off restoration
- Multiple show and award winner
- Matching numbers engine and gearbox rebuilt to factory specs
- Highly desirable MC performance model
- Accompanied by JDHT Certificate
LOT 622
Selling on Saturday Evening
1956 Jaguar XK140 MC Roadster
The Jaguar XK140 was introduced in 1955 and production ran through early 1957. It was a successor to the XK120 with many upgrades making it much more of a "driver's car". The XK140 got its nomenclature as a result of exceeding 140 mph at the Jabekke test track in Belgium with Norman Dewis at the wheel as Jaguar's best known test driver. The 140s upgrades included more interior space, improved brakes, rack and pinion steering, increased suspension travel and telescoping shock absorbers. They were produced in three distinct body styles designated as OTS (Open Two-Seater) that had a canvas top that folded out of sight behind the front seats, a Drophead Coupe which had roll-up side windows and a top that lowered onto the body, and a Coupe. The XK140 was powered by a 3.4-litre engine with 190 horsepower. A "Special Equipment" version or "MC" as it is known in the U.S., was produced with the racing 'C' Type cylinder head producing 210 horsepower. There were a total of 3347 OTS (Roadsters) made during the production run with very few of them being equipped with the SE option. Exact SE production numbers are vague at best but they are considered the rarest of the breed.
A striking example of the eminently usable XK140, chassis S812258 is confirmed by its certificate issued by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust to have been built on June 11, 1956, and delivered new to Jaguar Cars, New York, where it was subsequently acquired by its first owner, Mr. J. Seronde Jr. of Maynard, Massachusetts. Its VIN and engine number combination clearly decodes the car to have been a 'Special Equipment' model, with its 'S' chassis prefix and its 'S' engine suffix confirming it to have had the 'C' Type head when new.
This particular car is one of the rare XK140 MC OTS versions and it has spent most of its life in Southern California. It was located by a friend of the current owner in the late 1990s as a true barn find. The car spent much of its later years awaiting a frame-off restoration. The restoration began early in 2011 with a complete and correct matching numbers engine and transmission rebuilt to factory specs. All numbers have been verified according to the Jaguar Heritage and the JDHT Certificate that accompanies the car. As a rare matching numbers and unmolested car, careful attention was spent to make sure every stage of the restoration was documented and detailed with photos, including photos of the car before the restoration began. All of these have been placed in a binder that also accompany the car.
The bodywork and Carmine Red paint was completed by Mark Oja, who many recognize from the show "Overhaulin'", as Mark was the painter of choice by Chip Foose. Much of the work was then finished between the current owner and Muncie Imports. All original body panels were used in the restoration as pictures will show a virtual rust-free car to start with. All original parts that could be restored were restored as well as many fasteners. The result is an XK140 MC that is one of the most accurate restorations anywhere. Unlike many restorations, this car is well-sorted and runs and drives as well as it looks.
This stunning Jaguar has been invited and shown around the country at some of the most well-known concours and has traveled the country to various JCNA events consistently scoring 100 points and achieving two North American JCNA Championships. It received "Best Jaguar" at the Cincinnati Concours, it has won first place in some very tough classes at the Hilton Head Concours, Keeneland Concours and Milwaukee Concours, as well as taking Best of Show at the Carmel Artomobila. This example is in concours condition today and is certainly one of the most impressive examples of any XK140 MC in North America.
Contact Us
- Phone: +1.260.925.6789
- Toll Free: 800.990.6789
- Email: info@worldwideauctioneers.com
