After the smashing success of the XK120, Jaguar updated the model in 1954, creating the XK140. This evolution was designed to please American drivers since the US was Britain’s most important export market by far. Changes included moving the engine and dash forward several inches to expand the cabin and constructing the top (convertible, drophead, or fixed-head coupe) to supply more headroom. The larger cabin allowed for small rear seats in the coupes. Mechanical modernization followed the repositioned engine, as the old recirculating ball steering would not fit; instead, the car received a rack and pinion unit. Telescopic shocks replaced the antiquated lever shocks. Bumpers were beefier, and the grille, while still graceful, was made of a single casting to save manufacturing costs. The new car carried more trim and badging along the bonnet and trunk, but embellishment was expensive so the split windshield was retained. Here on eBay is a 1956 Jaguar XK140 fixed-head coupe listed at an asking price of $45,000 but with a ‘best offer’ option. The seller is the owner’s agent, and the car is located in Mariposa, California. T.J. is responsible for this elegant tip – thanks T.J.!
Though much of the XK140 was new, not much changed under the bonnet. The motor still displaced 3442 cc’s in an in-line six-cylinder twin overhead cam format. Horsepower rose to 190 since the XK120’s special equipment (SE) specifications were adopted for routine production. (The MC was an even better performer, utilizing the C-type head.) The transmission is a four-speed with overdrive (dash switch to the left of the steering wheel). The seller indicates that the car has been parked for 25 years but is driveable, a claim I find somewhat confusing. Either it has been parked, or it has been driven as recently as this listing. The seller also says this car has “updates to the drivetrain” but doesn’t specify what those are.
The interior needs some repair. The seller indicates it is in “good” condition, but I’m going to call it fair. The dash is tolerable. The carpets and seats are shabby. And then there’s the matter of the electrical system. For some reason, the owner, an electrical engineer with NASA, decided to rewire the car. Why an electrical engineer would use only white wires for this project is a mystery to me, but it does guarantee a frustrating wiring schematic.
The paintwork is going to need…. work. The chrome is rusty, though the seller says rust overall is minimal. The rear bumper does not fit correctly. Hard to tell why the gas door is popped – perhaps the seller just left it open. This car provokes plenty of questions. I can’t reconcile the asking price to the condition; what do you think?
Hagerty has a “fair” example at $43,000+.
Always felt that the while the dhc version of the XK was an elegant and beautiful kitty, the fixed head looked just goofy from the profile.
Really? Not me. When down and folded, the DHC top is an enormous eye sore. I love the OTS models, their small tops disappear completely behind the seats and under the bodywork – a true roadster. But the DHC? No.
Nope… $45K for a mess to fix… I’m a bit silly, but ain’t stupid
OMG! An owner changed the wiring harness to nothing but white wires! New harnesses are available for the next owner.
Just one more thing to do.
Interesting isn’t it? The guy that wired it was an electrical engineer for NASA. I built wiring harnesses for aircraft for about 12 years, that’s what they look like for the most part, right down to the “string tie”. Even those electrical fittings are aircraft spec, also used in race cars. The wires I worked with were each marked with their own identifier code so no mistakes are made, but I don’t see anything on these wires.
You nailed it Dave.
I’ve seen aircraft wire bundles once unwrapped from Kapton being all white wires with tags.
I wondered about that for years until I was contracted to rebuild a few dozen British built Holyroyd gear hobbing machines of 1960’s vintage.
They were fairly complex, very large machines for their time with lots of switches, mechanical relays and stepping motors and wire bundles that were about 3” in diameter and consisting of all white wires.
It was extremely frustrating trying to troubleshoot those machines and we had to “ring” each wire to identify each end and then replace the tags that had disappeared decades before.
But probably no worse than an old Triumph or BSA.
BTW: I’m a 1954 model. One of my first toy cars was a German made dark blue XK140.
Everything time I see an XK140 I see a dark blue XK140.
I love these cars…
IMHO they were the most beautiful cars of the 1950’s.
At 68 I’m not taking on any big projects or anything more maintenance intensive than my 2019 Mustang GT.
Old motorcycles excluded.
Doesn’t look too far from fix the mechanicals and drive it shape to me.
Undoubtedly a can of worms. The interior condition means this car was abused, The wiring issue is puzzling, why change it in the first place and if so, why only white wires? Heavens only knows what lurks underneath. No thanks.
Why only white wires? Because there is no need for colors if you are building it for yourself (see other post about aerospace wire harnesses). I worked in the space business where spacecraft are built with harnesses of all white wires. No need for colors. For a DIY person before the age of aftermarket harnesses, getting 60 different colored wires was impossible anyway. Why change it? Because it was failing, I would guess. There is no sign of significant fire.
And NASA only had white wires in stock!
Such a Beautiful car that seems like it’s been, ” Neglected” for years.” I wish I had the Money, Time, and knew someone who had the Expertise to work on and restore this Jaguar to it’s Natural Beauty.
The wiring is fine if it has tags at each end. I’m sure an aircraft engineer wouldn’t do anything goofy.
The 140 Coupe is my favourite, perhaps the Mk II is a near second.
I wonder if the door hinges have rust in the boxes, that can be a big problem.
Maybe you could sell it in Switzerland where it could get really competent carroserie, leather work, and wiring care. $45000 is really untouchable in this condition. This is indeed a barn find. But it needs someone who has lots of time and $ for competent restoration. It is not in saleable shape in my opinion. Lance845rainer.