When the Jaguar XK140 was introduced in 1954, it featured a number of improvements over the outgoing XK120. The fixed head coupe and drophead coupe both gained occasional jump seats, thanks to the engine being moved forward three inches. The cowl was raised two inches, as was the steering wheel, which increased comfort and headroom inside. Most obviously, the XK140 received heavier bumpers, which were connected to the chassis this time, and a bold cast-aluminum grille with fewer bars, which improved cooling and was less fragile. Twin fog lights were optional, and the hood and trunk were crowned with chrome strips and medallions, in celebration of previous Le Mans victories.

Mechanically, the XK140 replaced the Burman steering with a more accurate rack-and-pinion system, and the roll bars were increased in diameter for stiffer cornering. The XK140 roadsters (or open two-seaters) were the most popular, with 3,347 sold, which was followed by 2,798 coupes. An additional 2,790 drophead variants were fitted with a weather-tight but rather cumbersome top.

The Jaguar on offer was built on January 29, 1957, and is the 14th from the end of XK140 production. Only two weeks later, a devastating fire at Jaguar Brown’s Lane factory destroyed four of the remaining XK140s, along with nine XK SS roadsters. By 1970, the XK140 was being used little in San Diego, so it was brought to Kentucky by the owner and stored. Twenty-nine years later, in December 2009, it was purchased by Jim and Cathy Kakuska. The Kakuskas planned to restore the car and then tour with it. Jim first decided to strip the body for paint, and when he did, found it to be a solid West Coast car, so any minor rust repairs took less than an hour to complete.

In the next year, Kakuska undertook a documented and photographed frame off-restoration, which ultimately totaled $125,000. Along the way, the car received upgrades, which included a five-speed gearbox and front disc brakes, for improved drivability (the original gearbox is included). This Jaguar, originally an M model, was delivered without the C-Type head (the factory had run out), so the present head has been upgraded to C-Type specification. Finally, the XK140 was painted in Imperial Maroon and finished with a tan leather interior and matching top.

The restoration records from marque experts at J.K. Restorations in Oswego, Illinois, are extensive and include information on the rebuilding or replacement of almost every item in the car. The higher priced items included chrome for $10,740, a new gearbox for $3,980, an interior from Bassett’s Jaguar for $5,544, a disc brake conversion for $2,035, Dayton wire wheels for $1,991, a wiring loom for $1,262, parts for the rebuild of the original engine, which totaled to $3,640, and labor, which came at a cost of $29,490.

The Kakuskas were delighted with the results. They won a Benz Award at the Geneva, Illinois, concours and then took off for 6,500 miles of touring over the course of two summers. Events that they attended included Taylor’s Mountain Mile in Virginia, Montana’s Going to the Sun Rally, and trips to Banff, Jasper, and practically all points in between.

Having proven to drive extremely well, this XK140 is surely up to and eligible for numerous historic rallies or tours, such as the Colorado Grand or California Mille. It’s just a matter of where the new owner wishes to go.