Jaguar XK140 SE Fixed Head Coupé 1955 - World Of Classic Cars -

Jaguar XK140 SE Fixed Head Coupé 1955

The Jaguar XK120 created a sensation at the 1948 London Motor Show. It was low and lithe, with a curvaceous envelope body, and it had a newly designed dual overhead-cam six of 3,442 cubic centimetres. There was nothing else like it on the market, and in 1951, a handsome fixed head coupé was added to the line.
For 1955, the XK120 chassis was redesigned with larger torsion bars, better brakes, and rack-and-pinion steering. The engine was given higher-lift camshafts, which had the effect of raising horsepower to 190. There were also subtle appearance changes, such as the grille being given fewer bars that were more widely spaced and full-width bumpers being added.

Jaguar XK140 SE Fixed Head Coupé 1955

Moving the engine forward about three inches allowed for a roomier cockpit, but it required the relocation of the battery compartment into the front wing. The car was re-designated XK140, and two “Special Equipment” variants were added, the XK140 M, which included a crankshaft dampener, wire wheels, a dual exhaust, twin fog lamps, and windshield washers, and the XK140 SE (also known as the MC), which added the big-valve cylinder head from the C-Type, raising horsepower to 210.
This XK140 SE Fixed Head Coupé is an outstanding example of the highly desirable Special Equipment version that featured the C-Type cylinder head. It was ordered through A&M Kooheji, the Jaguar distributors in Bahrain, and it was delivered to James R. Heising, who registered it briefly in the UK before exporting it to Pasadena, California. Shortly thereafter, it was sold to another California owner, in whose family it remained for more than 40 years.

Jaguar XK140 SE Fixed Head Coupé 1955

In the 1990s, the car received a body-off restoration to the highest standards by renowned Jaguar specialist Mike Wilson in Visalia, California, and it was used only sparingly thereafter. The car has won numerous awards, including 2nd overall in the highly competitive Jaguar Club North America Championship.
The current owner acquired this XK140 in 1998. At the time, it was described as one of the best in the world. It has since been maintained to the highest standard, and it continues to justify its claim as one of the finest examples. It is totally authentic, with its original engine and tool roll, and it is finished in the original, as confirmed by its JDHT Certificate, and very desirable colour combination of Battleship Grey paint and a red leather interior.