Jaguar’s determination to succeed on the track quickly translated into its road cars, of which the more powerful XK140 of 1954 was an obvious example. The new name reflected the increased top speed thanks to the fettled XK engine that now delivered 190bhp.
The Open Two Seater was the closest in style to the track cars and the bodystyle used by Jaguar to achieve those speed records that gave the car its name. 3,349 XK140 OTS cars were built between 1954 and 1957 and most were sold overseas in LHD form.
This is one of them. It spent most of its life in Dallas, Texas before being comprehensively restored then re-imported to the UK in 2005 where it has remained in the hands of the same owner ever since. That restoration has held up exceptionally well thanks to sparing use. With recent fettling and servicing it represents a great opportunity to buy a well cared for example of the very usable and rewarding XK140.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
First registered in 1956 and the 799th LHD OTS XK140 built
First UK registered on 8th July 2005
Current owner since the same date
Matching numbers example
Chassis A prefix indicates that this car was factory supplied as a Special Equipment model
XK140s received the more powerful ‘special equipment’ engine specification of the earlier Xk120 developing 190bhp
Acquired by Classic Cars of Dallas in 1990 when finished in white with cream vinyl interior and showing 10,919miles
Restored by Classic Cars between 1991 and 1992 including:
Full body-off restoration
Repainted Ferrrari red with black Connolly leather interior and black carpets
Dashboard replaced with matching black finish version
Gearbox uprated to 5spd BMW item
Oversize radiator and improved cooling for Dallas weather
Stainless steel exhaust fitted
Car was stored and used sparing in Dallas between 1992 and 2005
Imported to the UK on 69,000m miles and acquired by the seller
Original factory handbook and thick folder of invoices included with car
Last MOT expired on 26th March 2015 but has only covered 700 miles since
New clutch and tyres in 2023
New fuel lines and new aluminium fuel tank in 2022
Regularly serviced by local classic car specialist, most recently in 2023
Wiring harness replaced
Recently professionally detailed for sale
New electric choke system fitted in 2014
THE INTERIOR
Nicely matured Connolly leather interior reflecting gentle use since restoration
Carefully detailed to original specification including seat patterning, carpet trimming and dashboard
Black dashboard with beautiful array of dials and original switchgear
Vinyl boot cover in good condition with only a light stain visible
Door cards in exceptional condition showing high quality of retrimming
The XK140 evolved the XK lineage by offering taller drivers more leg and shoulder room, making these later cars particularly attractive to modern enthusiasts. But the interior layout remained otherwise mostly unchanged and that means it is quite the treat for any occupant.
The XK dashboard layout continued to influence Jaguar design into the introduction of the first generation of XJ saloon and it is easy to see why. It is a clearly arranged by very evocative display, the big dials sitting between a light scattering of simple switchgear. The dashboard of this car was replaced during the restoration in the early 1990s and remains in superb condition with barely any signs of use.
There is some light wear to the original switches and the rear view mirror shows some tarnish but these merely add character to this lovely old car. Likewise the Connolly leather seats which show some creasing and wear in the black finish. They look like they would respond well to re-Connollising if the buyer required, or simply enjoy the character they deliver.
The boot area follows a similar theme, the vinyl mat showing light staining but remaining very presentable.
Elsewhere the door trims and chrome fittings are in good condition showing a high quality re-trim and being well kept.
THE EXTERIOR
Excellent paintwork assisted by a recent detailing and showing few signs of use and age
Appears to have been originally white but repainted Ferrari red in the early 1990s
Clear, bright chromework appears original and only very lightly pitted
Classic XK140 split screen windscreen a key part of this beautiful car’s appeal
Badging front and rear presents well with no unsightly cracks or discolouration
XK140s received larger front and rear bumpers and these are in good, undamaged condition
Bodywork including vulnerable areas like the base of the wing market plinths appears uncorroded
Underside shows a similar story appearing solid but with light surface corrosion
Smart chrome wire wheels with new tyres recently fitted
The OTS was the model that stayed truest to the record-breaking models that Jaguar ran throughout the early 50s and gave the model its name. This car presents very well with its older repaint, reflecting the careful attentions of its owners since, including the vendor.
Finished in white prior to its restoration in the early 1990s, the car was subject to a body-off restoration and refinished in Ferrari red, a colour that the photographs confirm works particularly well for this model and accents the chrome detailing. The bodywork remains in excellent condition with no visible corrosion while the consistent panel fit hints at the quality of that restoration work.
The chrome presents similarly, only very light pitting being visible on close inspection on the grille and headlamp bezels. The chrome wire wheels are fitted with new tyres.
The bodywork and underside likely reflex the car’s life in dry Dallas and then the current owner’s refusal to drive it in wet or damp weather. The car was last MOT’d in 2015 with no structural advisories. It has covered less than 1,000 miles since and is, in any event, MOT exempt.
THE MECHANICS
3,442cc XK straight six engine developing 190bhp
Fitted with a 5spd BMW gearbox for more relaxed high speed cruising
We are told that this is a matching numbers car
Regularly serviced by a local classic car specialist
New clutch and tyres fitted in 2023
New aluminium fuel tank and fuel lines replaced in 2022
The XK140 justified its new name – indicating its top speed – by adopting the Special Equipment 190bhp 3.4l engine from the XK120 as standard. A sweet revving, very torquey unit, it is one of the many joys of XK140 ownership.
We are told this car is matching numbers. During the restoration it was fitted with a 5spd BMW gearbox, an upgrade that improve the high speed cruising ability of this most high speed cruising of classics.
The vendor has used the car sparingly since acquiring it in 2005 but that has not stopped him continuing to invest in it. Aside from regular servicing by a local classic car specialist this has included fitting a new clutch in 2023, new fuel tank and lines in 2022 as well as other fettling such as an electronic choke and replacement wiring harness.
The XK140 wowed buyers on the track and in the showroom, a beautiful and very capable sports car that was also comfortable and practical.
Those qualities continue to make good XK140s like this one in demand. An older restoration that has been carefully curated since, it is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a beautiful, high quality Jaguar with a very gentle patina of character.