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2006 Melbourne International Motor Show Auction
Lot
19

1956 Jaguar XK 140 Fixed Head Coupe

PASSED IN

Passed In

Specifications

Engine 3442cc Double overhead camshaft straight six
Gearbox 4-speed manual
Body Work Coupe
Colour Old English White

Description

This lot is no longer available

In 1954 Jaguar introduced the XK140 as a replacement for the highly successful Jaguar XK120 that had first appeared in 1948. The XK Series was conceived by William Lyons as a sleek automobile that sat atop a short wheelbase in two-seat roadster configuration powered by a twin-cam engine.

The XK140 received a more powerful 190 horsepower engine, rack-and-pinion steering, and more interior space. Interior space was gained by the repositioning of the engine and firewall, thus keeping the dimensions of the chassis identical to the XK120. Minor improvements were also done to the aesthetics of the vehicle, making the XK140 a much more useable and enjoyable grand tourer in fixed head coupe form.

Performance was sensational for its day and an XK140 could cover a standing quarter mile in 16.6 seconds and cruise comfortably at 100 MPH. The XK140's desirability in its day was further enhanced by Jaguar's outright victories at Le Mans in 1953, 1955, 1956 and 1957.