Nineteen fifty-four was both the last year for Jaguar’s groundbreaking XK120 and the first year for that car’s successor, the XK140. With the introduction of the XK140, Jaguar took the opportunity to make their most sporting automobile both more comfortable, by adding more cabin room, and more sporting, with the addition of more precise rack-and-pinion steering. Cosmetically, the car was enhanced by replacing the XK120’s grille with one that was cast in aluminum and had fewer bars and more substantial bumpers. Like its predecessor, the XK140 was available as a drophead coupe, a roadster, and a fixed head coupe, which now offered 2+2 seating.

The MC package, designated SE in the UK, added to the XK140’s already potent performance credentials, namely by the installation of cylinder heads from the Jaguar C-Type. With the designation of this option, Jaguar also installed fog lamps, a dual exhaust, J headlights, a windshield washer, and overdrive. All this could be had for just $295, representing remarkable value even when added to the base price of the car. This made the MC the most desirable variant of the XK140, both when it was new and today.

This exceptionally handsome 1955 XK140 MC Fixed Head Coupe is finished in Imperial Maroon with a Biscuit leather interior. It has recently undergone a meticulous, bare-metal, three-year rotisserie restoration by well-regarded Jaguar specialists. No detail was overlooked in this restoration, and only components original to the car or factory correct were reinstalled, down to the original Lucas J headlights and driving lights, the Wilton wool carpets, and the English leather seats. Additionally, this example is outfitted with a Ron Davis aluminum radiator, an electric fan, and a full stainless steel exhaust, making it a superb, reliable driver for long tours. While the engine head is the original C-Type MC-specification head that came with this car, the block was updated to that of a XK150, with improved oiling, some time ago.

The XK140 is considered by many to be more user friendly than the XK120, and this one, which is equipped with the MC package, would surely make a fantastic grand touring automobile for the individual looking to enjoy their new acquisition at speed. This example drives wonderfully and can cruise effortlessly at 80 mph all day long, all while immersing its passengers in quintessential English sporting luxury.