1957 Jaguar XK140MC Fixed Head Coupe
s/n S815784BW, engine no. G8636-8S
Dark Red Metallic with Biscuit Leather Interior

One of the 1950s’ most iconic motor cars, the Jaguar XK series has always had a strong following. The technologically innovative and stunning XK120 proved to be extremely popular thanks to its remarkable new twin-cam inline-6 cylinder engine, swoopy styling and genuine 120 mph performance (not to mention the surprisingly affordable price). For 1955, the XK120 became the XK140, which, while substantially the same, was improved in key areas. XK140s offer more leg room and more power, rack and pinion steering, telescoping shock absorbers, and improved brakes. As ever, coupe, drophead coupe, and roadster versions were available with the roadster always remaining the most beautiful and pure model. The most desirable and highest performing variant was the SE model, which could be further enhanced with the competition derived “C-Type” cylinder head. The SE designation stood for Special Equipment, which included wire wheels, dual exhaust, fog lamps, larger carburetors, and usually C-Type cylinder head, which resulted in 20 more horsepower. These cars were also designated MC, when fitted with C-Type head.

This particular car has been with the same owner for nearly forty years, since 1976. He purchased the car in Los Angeles and immediately drove it to Seattle, at which point it was shipped to Anchorage, Alaska where he lived at the time. He drove it occasionally there before taking it off the road to begin a restoration that would not begin in earnest for another twenty years. He moved to Redding, California in 1992, taking the car with him, and removed the body, which was restored and professionally repainted in 2000. He moved to Denver, Colorado in 2007, where further restoration work was performed by Classic Restoration in Englewood, Colorado, and then the car was shipped to HRC Jaguars in North Carolina, where Hector Castro, known for the Jaguar SS1s he has shown at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, completed the car, including a conversion from automatic transmission to a 5-speed Borg Warner. He restored the interior, including restored woodwork, and performed much other work. The engine was completely rebuilt in October of 2013 by Autowerks East in Lafayette, Colorado, and the car has covered 500 miles since. An electric cooling fan was also added, the car converted to negative earth ground, and an electronic ignition system was installed.

The car runs and drives well and makes a strong cosmetic impression. The body is straight and has great panel fit, operation, and gaps. The paintwork was done to nice driver standards and has a few chips but presents strongly overall. The chrome on the bumpers is good, but the remaining chrome is showing its age in the form of pitting and thinning of the finish. The lights and lenses are in very good shape.

The interior presents very strongly with fresh leather upholstery installed to high standards. The carpets are high quality wool and are excellent other than some wrinkles on the transmission tunnel. The wood is excellent throughout as are the dashboard components including instruments and switches. The car has a lovely wood Moto-Lita steering wheel. Three point seat belts were added and the car also has seat belts installed for the rear seats. The headliner is in excellent condition.

The trunk was also restored and has been trimmed in correct tan vinyl. The engine compartment is clean and shows many signs of recent work, but it is not detailed. Some components show some cosmetic aging. Both the engine block and cylinder head are matching and original to the car.

This is a great opportunity to acquire a genuine XK140 MC that retains its original engine and comes from nearly forty years with the same owner. An attractive driver level car that has many functional upgrades, this is an ideal car to drive and enjoy, having covered just 500 miles since a complete engine rebuild. It comes with parts catalog, service manual, miscellaneous spare parts, car cover, and invoices for recent maintenance work including nearly $13,000 for the engine rebuild.

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