1957 Jaguar XK140 MC Coupe
s/n S815890, engine no. G9416-8S
White with Red 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 is particular car is a matching numbers genuine XK140 MC Coupe, built 6 November 1956 and supplied to Jaguar Cars New York. It was originally finished in black with red interior and was sold to its first owner, Robert Grant of Tucson, Arizona on 31 December 1956 as a gift for his wife. By 1975, the car had found its way to Florida, where it remained until its current owner purchased it in 2008. While in Florida, the car was comprehensively restored and set up with event use in mind. The car has been obsessively maintained and improved by its current owner since 2008 and is ideally suited to rallies thanks to its comfort and pleasurable driving experience. The engine was rebuilt in 2010. There are two thick binders with many invoices dating as far back as 1975 as well as several boxes of spare parts. 

The car makes a strong impression cosmetically but is not perfect, making it an ideal event car. The paintwork is attractive overall, with a few chips and surface cracks. The body is straight and solid with good gaps and panel operation. The chrome is varies from quite nice to on the front grille to lightly pitted on the headlight trims to somewhat more pitted on the door handles. On balance, the chrome is attractive with light pitting. The glass is in very good shape and the headlights are protected by stone guards. The leather hood strap, rally clocks on the dash, and absence of front bumper adds further to the rally aesthetic of the car, though the front bumper is included.

The interior is in great shape, with great patina to the leather trim. The carpets are in very good shape overall and appear to be of the correct wool, although the driver’s carpet has some wear. New carpets for the front footwells are included. The dashboard is in very good shape and is correctly presented with original instruments and wood trim. The wood trim has some hairline cracks but presents well overall.

The engine compartment presentation is consistent with that of the rest of the car, being clean, attractive, and presentable, but not highly detailed or freshly restored. The engine is matching numbers and has some upgrades to the oiling and ignition systems to enhance usability and reliability for events. The trunk is fully trimmed in correct matching red upholstery and is in very good shape.

The car runs and drives extremely well. The engine is well-tuned and sounds great, and is tractable, pulling well in all gears. The chassis and suspension are tight and coherent, and the brakes effective. It The gearbox shifts well and the overall experience is quite enjoyable and it is easy to see the appeal of using this car in a long distance touring event. Indeed, the car has proven its worth by participating in the 2009 California Mille.

This is a great opportunity to acquire a nicely-sorted matching numbers XK140MC. A genuine MC, this car’s coupe body style makes it an ideal partner for touring events, as does its thoughtful event-preparation. The car runs and drives great and is not so nice to prevent the new owner from wanting to use it extensively. It is eligible for a wide variety of prestigious events and comes with an extensive package of spare parts, including front bumper, internal engine components, roll bar, wheels and tires, original MC fog lamps, and many other parts. There is also a binder with many invoices to confirm the excellent care the car has received.

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