1956 Jaguar XK140

This 1956 Jaguar XK140 is a drophead coupe that was fitted with a replacement 3.4-liter inline-six under previous ownership before being acquired by the owner’s late spouse in 1997. The car is finished in black with a tan soft top and top boot over beige leather upholstery and features a burl wood dashboard as well as a European-band Radiomobile radio. A gear-reduction starter and an alloy flywheel are said to have been added under current ownership, and further equipment includes a Moss four-speed manual transmission, an overdrive unit, dual SU carburetors, rear SPAX gas shocks, 16″ knock-off wire wheels, and Lucas driving lights. The upper timing chain was adjusted, the camshaft cover gaskets were replaced, and an oil change was performed in preparation for the sale. This XK140 is now offered by the seller on behalf of the owner with manufacturer’s literature, service records, spare parts, and an Ohio title listing the car as a 1957 model. The drophead coupe features an integrated windshield frame, roll-up side windows, and exterior door handles. This example wears an older repaint in black and is equipped with a tan soft top and top boot as well as Lucas driving lights, fender-mounted side mirrors, and quarter vent windows. The top frame was reportedly refurbished and the top replaced in 2016. The top boot is said to fit poorly over the replacement top. The seller notes evidence of filler in the lower doors and front and rear fenders along with a dent in the bonnet, pitting on the chrome bumpers and trim, chips in the windshield, rust on the inner body panels, and a loose left door handle. Blemishes around the body are pictured up-close in the gallery below. Silver-painted 16″ wire wheels are secured by two-ear knock-off hubs and wrapped in older Lester wide-whitewall tires. Stopping power is provided by four-wheel drum brakes, and rear SPAX gas shocks have been added. The brake master cylinder was reportedly replaced along with the leaf springs in 2014. Corrosion is visible on the wheels, and the seller reports that the lower steering column U-joint is worn and that the car pulls under braking. The front seats are covered in beige leather and accompanied by individual rear seats trimmed in contrasting upholstery. A European-band Radiomobile radio is installed, thought it is said to have limited reception. The outer bolster of the left-front seatback is worn, the piping is cracked, and there is a tear in the left door panel upholstery. A repair to the left-side door sill is noted, and the seller states that the carpet is worn. The four-spoke steering wheel fronts a burl wood dashboard housing Smiths instrumentation including a reverse-sweep tachometer with a 5,500-rpm redline accompanied by a 120-mph speedometer and supplementary gauges. The five-digit odometer shows 36k miles. The Ohio title carries a “non-actual warning: odometer discrepancy” mileage notation, and true mileage is unknown. The replacement 3.4-liter inline-six is equipped with an XK150 cylinder head as well as dual SU carburetors and was installed under previous ownership. A gear-reduction starter as well as an alloy flywheel are said to have been fitted under current ownership. The timing chains, head gasket, and tensioner were replaced approximately 10 years ago, and the fuel tank sending unit was changed in 2019. The upper timing chain was adjusted, the camshaft cover gaskets were replaced, and an oil change was performed in preparation for the sale. The radiator has been patched, and the seller states that the hoses and coolant are in need of replacement. Oil leaks are noted from the head gasket, crankshaft seal, and rear main seal. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a Moss four-speed manual transmission with an overdrive unit. Rust and patchwork is visible on underbody components, and the seller notes noise from the transmission along with fluid leaks from the transmission, overdrive unit, and differential. Manufacturer’s literature, service records, a car cover, and spare parts will accompany the car along with a 1998 Jaguar Clubs of North America Concours d-Elegance judging scoresheet.