From 1948 through 1954, the brilliant XK 120 established Jaguar at the forefront of sports car manufacturers, with its graceful lines and impressive performance. While approximately 12,000 XK 120s were built, its sound, original design could easily be improved and updated. The resulting XK 140 arrived in late 1954, with a comprehensive list of improvements designed to maintain Jaguar’s appeal, especially in the all-important U.S. market. In all, some 3,350 XK 140 Roadsters were built from 1954 to 1957.

This 1955 Jaguar XK 140 offered here left the factory as an SE example, or “M” for modified as they were referred to in the United States. It left the factory originally finished in Cream over Black with a French Grey convertible top. It was dispatched on 15 December 1954 and was distributed through Hoffman in New York, New York. The car’s first owner was a J.C. Wieland. It should be noted that the JDHT certificate on file notes that the car was not fitted with a C-Type cylinder head when new.

Fully restored today, and said to have once been part of the legendary Blackhawk Collection, it is presented here in a gorgeous red over biscuit leather livery. It is fitted with the dual exhaust, wire wheels, fog lamps, and windshield washers. Drivability upgrades includes a five-speed transmission conversion, disc front brakes conversion, an alternator with a generator look, a new gear reduction starter, and an aluminum radiator with an auxiliary electric fan. The original transmission, radiator, and front hubs remain with the car, making a return to factory spec a simple matter should the new owner so desire.

This stunning XK 140 has been enjoyed on two pleasure rallies of approximately 1,000 miles each, most recently in the fall of 2017, underlining the car’s reliability and performance. The car was serviced specifically for spirited touring and enhanced reliability, with service receipts included in the history file. Also included with the sale is a new tonneau cover. Beautifully presented to a very high level, it will make an ideal partner for future long distance rallies or simply cruising in style.