1957 JAGUAR XK140 MC DROPHEAD COUPE

1957 JAGUAR XK140 MC DROPHEAD COUPE
Sold for US$ 79,200 Including Commission
Bonhams Auction, Amelia Island, Florida 2015
Chassis no. S818689BW
Engine no. G8354-8S
3,442cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
210bhp at 5,500rpm
3-Speed Borg-Warner Automatic Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Beautifully presented XK140 MC Drophead Coupe
*Equipped with the rare, optional Borg-Warner automatic
*Wonderful model for tours and rallies
*Exceptional performance and elegant styling
*Offered with Heritage Trust Certificate
THE JAGUAR XK140
"For 1955, Jaguar present a range of models incorporating not only added refinements, but mechanical advances directly derived from their many outstanding successes in international competitive events. All the wealth of experience gained on the race-tracks of the world and in record-breaking speed and endurance tests is built into every Jaguar to provide for discriminating motorists the highest degree of efficient performance allied to comfort and safety" - Jaguar Cars Ltd.
Launched in 1954, the Jaguar XK140 was broadly similar to, though more refined than, its sensational XK120 predecessor, major engineering changes being confined to the repositioning of the engine 3" further forward and the adoption of rack-and-pinion steering as used on the racing C-Type. The suspension and brakes remained much as before, though with stiffer torsion bars at the front and telescopic shock absorbers replacing the previous lever type at the rear.
Like its forbear, the XK140 was built in three model types: roadster, coupe and drophead coupe, the latter two offering usefully increased cabin space and occasional rear seats. Outwardly the newcomer was distinguishable by its revised radiator grille, rear lights incorporating flashing indicators, and larger bumpers - the latter adopted to withstand the cut and thrust of urban parking.
The power unit remained Jaguar's well-tried, 3.4-liter, twin-cam six, which now produced 190bhp in standard trim thanks to higher-lift camshafts and revised porting. To ensure reliability, steel-bearing caps replaced the previous cast-iron type. A close-ratio gearbox enabled better use to be made of the increased performance while Laycock-de Normanville overdrive became an option for the first time. A three-speed Borg-Warner automatic transmission was also available. Special Equipment (SE) XK140s came with wire wheels and Lucas fog lamps, and could be ordered with an engine developing 210bhp courtesy of the 'C'-type cylinder head.
XK140 performance was well up to the standards set by its exemplary predecessor, contemporary magazine road tests regularly recording top speed figures in excess of 120mph. Tested by Road & Track magazine, a USA-specification XK140 MC (as the 'C'-type head-equipped SE version was known here) recorded a 0-60mph time of 8.4 seconds on the way to a top speed of 121.1mph.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Completed at Jaguar's Coventry works in the latter half of 1957, this wonderful Jaguar XK140 Drophead Coupe was fitted from new with the rare Borg-Warner automatic transmission option. Very few Jaguars of the period received this convenient addition, making this stunning example a member of quite a rare breed. Although the early history remains unknown, the XK140 is believed to have been delivered new to the United States.
By the 1990s, the Jaguar resided in Kansas City, Missouri, and was later consigned to a Monterey Auction in 2010, where it was acquired by the consignor. In recent years, the automatic transmission has been refurbished. Equipped with smart chrome wire wheels, bumper-mounted driving lights, MC dual exhaust and C-Type valve covers, this XK140 Drophead Coupe reflects elegance and luxury. Inside one finds a neatly patinated interior, set off by a period radio. Sporting classic style Michelin tires and the all-important high-performance MC package, this elegant Jaguar Drophead is ready for its next custodian.
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Robert Myrick Photography