1956 Jaguar XK140SE Roadster

This is a lovely XK140 SE (aka MC) OTS (aka Roadster), which has been superbly maintained and is a genuine C-Type cylinder head car. The car is matching numbers and is believed to be a California car from new. Certainly it has been in California since the mid 1960’s, with the same owner in Southern California from approximately 1964 to 2005. The has a very nice restoration, is beautifully sorted, and runs and drives superbly. It is complete with weather equipment and Heritage Certificate.

This car is in Thousand Oaks, CA

The Model

One of the 1950s’ most iconic motor cars, the Jaguar XK series have always 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.

History

This particular car is a Roadster equipped with the MC package, including all special equipment and C-Type cylinder head. It was sold new at Hollywood Motors in Los Angeles, California, and its current owner purchased it in 2005 from a gentleman who bought the car for $150 in Stanton, CA in approximately 1964. He owns a British car repair shop in Southern California, and the car is believed to be a California car from new. Certainly it was sold new in California and has been in California continuously since the early 1960’s. He drove the car regularly and performed the maintenance to keep the car in good mechanical shape. Included in this was rebuilding the engine and transmission, and performing other more regular maintenance. He had a cosmetic restoration performed about ten years ago, and the car has never been fully disassembled, but rather restored as was necessary over the years.

Currently, the car has the appearance of a nicely restored driver. Cosmetically it is quite fresh, and the car is a very high quality driver overall. Since the current owner acquired the car in 2005, he has performed much recent work (over $31,000 in receipts since 2005) to ensure that the car it is an outstanding driving and looking example. Included among the work is: new speedo cable, new exhaust manifolds, new knock-offs, rebuilt wheels, new tires, clutch adjustment, new aluminum radiator with electric fans, new points, numerous electrical fixes including rebuilt fuel gauge and tachometer, dash light repairs, valve adjustment, coolant change, new steering rack, latch repairs, new fur flex and weather stripping, rebuilt intake manifold and carburetors, repair heater valve and starter, rebuilt complete front suspension including new Konis and powder coated components, alignment, steering rack mounts, selective rechroming, and refinish steering wheel.

Condition

As a result, the car runs and drives superbly at this time. The engine is well-tuned and makes good power, and the brakes and suspension work very nicely. The gearbox also works well, and the car is an unusually good driving example.

The car is in excellent cosmetic condition and is a very high quality driver. There are a few cosmetic blemishes inside and out, but nothing to detract significantly from the car’s presentation. It is nice enough to casually show, and the body and chassis are exceptionally straight and free of significant structural corrosion.

Vehicle Photos