In late 1954 Jaguar upgraded the highly successful XK 120 to the new XK 140. As Jaguar’s main market was the US, interior space was increased over the XK 120’s cramped cockpit to accommodate taller drivers by moving the engine and firewall forward by some three inches. Steering was significantly improved too with rack and pinion replacing the antiquated recirculating-ball steering box system of the XK 120 and the old rear lever-arm damper suspension was replaced by a modern telescopic damper set-up, which improved handling significantly.

Once again the desirable SE (Special Equipment) option was offered (known as the ‘MC’ in the USA) which featured C-Type cylinder head, 2-inch sand-cast H8 carburettors, heavier torsion bars at the rear and twin exhaust pipes. The power of the 3,442cc straight six engine was increased with the SE/MC producing around 210 hp, a significant jump from the standard model.

Factory XK140 MC roadsters were also fitted with a dashboard plaque that stated that the car was a replica of the record-breaking vehicle that achieved 141.51 mph at the Jabbeke highway in Belgium. Our car’s plaque remains in situ.

Cosmetic changes were also applied to the XK 140; a Jaguar emblem was incorporated into a new single-piece grille and full-size bumpers with over-riders were fitted front and rear. Chrome strips adorned the bonnet and boot lid along with a badge that declared ‘Winner Le Mans 1951-53’.

The Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate on file confirms chassis S 811714 DN was manufactured on the 27th September 1955 and was built to SE/MC specification. The ‘DN’ of the chassis number denotes that the car was equipped from new with the rare and desirable option of Laycock de Normanville electric overdrive. It is believed only 9% of XK 140 customers specified overdrive.

The new left-hand drive roadster was finished in red with biscuit leather and dispatched on the 6th October 1955 to legendary Jaguar dealers Hornburg of Los Angeles, California who supplied it to its first owner, one Roger P. Ahrenberg.

Hornburg Jaguar was the very first Jaguar dealership and importer in the United States. The company was established after Charles H. Hornburg Jr. met Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons in 1948 where the pair agreed that Hornburg would introduce Jaguar to the U.S. market. At the launch of the XK120 at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show Hornburg famously declared "I'll take them all!" and reportedly ordered 2,000 cars.

It is believed the XK 140 spent the first 50 years of its life in sunny Arizona and was rust free and solid when it underwent a body-off, full nut and bolt restoration which is believed to have taken three years.

The retained its original engine and received some sensible upgrades including a high performance extra-capacity aluminium radiator and large electric fan. A black Haartz soft-top was fitted which included a correct glass rear window.

Once the comprehensive restoration was finished the car took part in (and completed) several 1000 mile rallies, including the prestigious Copperstate 1000 and 2008 California Mille driven by Scottsdale Arizona resident DeWayne Adamson without incident.

In 2011 the car then relocated to Texas before being imported and registered in the UK in 2014 for its first UK-based owner.

The car was then registered to Richard Hackett of Warminster classic car specialists SLJ Hackett on the 16th August 2018.

SLJ Hackett carried out the following works in 2018; the steering rack was overhauled, new adjustable front and rear shock absorbers fitted along with a front disc brake conversion (the original drums will be supplied with the car). A new tonneau cover was supplied and the cam cover gaskets replaced along with a new original clutch pedal and coolant hoses. This beautiful XK 140 also featured on the front page of the December 2021 edition of Classic & Sportscar.

Its previous owner acquired the car in 2021 and registered it in Northern Ireland and is currently registered in County Carlow, Eire.

This rare and desirable XK 140 SE OTS was built to the ultimate specification from new and is now available to purchase. The car retains its original engine and is Mille Miglia eligible and would make a very capable and comfortable entrant.

Having covered a little over 10,000 miles since its restoration it still presents superbly and is in excellent condition with superb panel fit.

£105,000