When the sleek Jaguar XK 120 debuted at Earls Court in October 1948, it stole the show, prompting one journalist to comment, “all preconceived notions as to what was a series-production sports car disappeared overnight.” The XK 120 was the first entirely new car produced by Jaguar after World War II. The XK 120 also represented only the second time that Jaguar had produced a sports car, with the similarly revered SS 100 of the late 1930s being the first.

In terms of the 1957 year of manufacture of this model; it had been approximately nine years since the Earls Court Show was laid on its collective ear by the XK 120s introduction. The interval had been filled with most gratifying sales, both of the original model and of its derivations. This era of Jaguar is unmistakable, and the car reeks of prestige – by anyone’s standards.

The replacement for the legendary XK 120 was the XK 140, introduced in 1954, which came in three variants: two-seater, fixed head and drophead. Externally the XK 140s are easily identifiable without sacrificing the overall styling of the earlier model. The XK 140 is quickly recognizable from the outside by the stouter bumper bars, heavy cast radiator grille and larger window areas on the fixed head coupe; giving the cabin area an appearance of lightness. Internally the changes were more subtle, except for moving forward of the engine in the chassis to provide better legroom and, with the fixed head version (like this car), ‘occasional’ rear seating. The improved XK 140 also offered a more powerful version of the XK engine, now at 180-hp for the 3,442-cc inline six-cylinder dual overhead cam engine; improved cooling, braking and precise rack-and-pinion steering, as well as greater passenger comfort than that of its predecessor.

For those wanting more performance and style, the rare “MC” or “Special Equipment” option was available for only an additional $295. Engine output rose to 210-hp with the addition of a C-Type cylinder head, a crankshaft damper and a dual exhaust system, while wire wheels, foglamps, windshield washers and upscale trunk fittings added further appeal. This is one of the coveted “MC” cars which has also received an upgraded five-speed manual transmission, upgraded cooling system and was further updated with XK 150 specification disc brakes.

This factory-equipped 1957 Jaguar XK 140MC benefits from a body-off restoration; it was completed in 2004 to JCNA concours-quality standards. Handsomely finished in red with tan upholstery, the XK 140 has virtually perfect brightwork, Lucas headlamps, correct Lucas foglamps, knock-off wire wheel and blackwall tires (often seen on the non-export cars in period), as well as a correct trunk compartment with a spare tire and tools. An auxiliary fan was added, and while originally equipped with four-wheel drum brakes, the car is presently fitted with the previously mentioned four-wheel disc brakes that were introduced with the following XK 150 models. The interior woodwork trim elements have been correctly restored, and the weather stripping remains tight and virtually as new. A stunning “turn-key” example, this splendid XK 140 MC Fixed Head Coupe has covered few miles since restoration and is complete with a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate.

During a brief three-year run, approximately 9,000 XK 140s were manufactured, including about 2,800 fixed head coupes. The XK 140 has often been declared the best of the XK variants by enthusiasts and collectors alike. It is also considered by many to be the best all-around XK model for use and styling appeal. The MC fixed head coupes are rarely seen and this one presents itself to be an elegant and outstanding example of an iconic era of Jaguar motoring history.