Image of 1955 Jaguar Xk140, sourced from www.goodingco.com , Image Link.

Unveiling the Elegance of the 1955 Jaguar XK140

The 1955 Jaguar XK140 is not merely a car; it's a rolling sculpture that embodies the zenith of post-war British automotive craftsmanship. Born from the illustrious lineage of Jaguar Cars Ltd, this classic was an evolution of its predecessor, the celebrated XK120. As a testament to its grandeur, the XK140 once graced the roads with its presence under the ownership of Hollywood elites, adding a touch of glamour to its already sterling reputation.

Design and Innovation

The XK140's exterior styling was a masterclass in refinement and subtle enhancements. Its voluptuous curves and elongated bonnet were reminiscent of the XK120, yet it boasted a more substantial front grille and bolder bumpers for an imposing stance. Inside, the cabin was swathed in luxurious leather and fine wood veneers, reflecting Jaguar's commitment to opulence. Technologically, it featured advancements such as rack and pinion steering—a novelty at the time—improving handling precision.

Jaguar offered the XK140 in an array of colors, with British Racing Green, Carmen Red, and Battleship Grey being among the most coveted. The model came in three body styles: the Fixed Head Coupe (FHC), Drophead Coupe (DHC), and the Open Two Seater (OTS), with the latter often hailed as the quintessential sports car silhouette.

Historical Significance

The XK140's unveiling was a pivotal moment in automotive history. It bridged the gap between pre-war design language and modern performance expectations. Its influence permeated throughout Jaguar's future designs and set a benchmark for grand tourers that balanced luxury with athleticism.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its bonnet lay a 3.4-liter straight-six engine capable of propelling this beauty to a top speed nearing 125 mph—a remarkable feat for its era. The sprint from 0-60 mph could be achieved in less than 10 seconds, placing it firmly in sports car territory. Drivers often recount the symphonic roar of its engine and how it translated into a visceral driving experience, with responsive handling that made every journey exhilarating.

Ownership Experience

The XK140 was versatile enough to serve as an elegant daily driver or as a weekend showstopper at classic car rallies. Maintenance requires a dedicated stewardship akin to preserving any work of art; however, Jaguar's engineering prowess ensured that repairs remained within reach for those acquainted with classic car upkeep.

Fun Facts

This automotive icon has seen its fair share of limelight, including being owned by celebrities like Clark Gable. It also set records in endurance runs, proving that its beauty was matched by an equally impressive brawn. While some critics may have pointed out its weight compared to lighter sports cars of its time, none could deny its blend of performance and luxury.

Collector's Information

Today, an authentic 1955 Jaguar XK140 can fetch anywhere from $70,000 to well over $150,000 depending on condition and provenance. With approximately 8,900 units produced across all body styles, they are relatively scarce but still attainable for serious collectors. The market trends suggest that values are on an upward trajectory, making them not just objects of desire but sound investments too.

Conclusion

The 1955 Jaguar XK140 stands as a paragon of automotive excellence—an enduring legacy that continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike. Its blend of style, performance, and luxury has cemented its place in history as one of the most desirable classic cars ever produced. As each year passes, this majestic machine only grows finer with age.

1955 Jaguar XK140 Upper Ball Joint Tie Rod Boot. 1-1/8" bottom I.D-BN 101Upper Ball Joint Tie Rod Boot. 1-1/8" bottom I.D., 1/2" top I.D. Each

1955 Jaguar XK140 Upper and Lower Ball Joint Boot. 5/8" upper I.D-BN 101-AUpper and Lower Ball Joint Boot. 5/8" upper I.D., 1-1/2" bottom I.D., 7/8" high. Each

1955 Jaguar XK140 Roll Bar Bushing. 1/2" high, with 1/2" hole. Each-BN 2Roll Bar Bushing. 1/2" high, with 1/2" hole. Each

1955 Jaguar XK140 Auto Brake Pedal Pad. 3-1/4" wide X 5-1/2" long. Each-CB 75-BAuto Brake Pedal Pad. 3-1/4" wide X 5-1/2" long. Each

1955 Jaguar XK140 Headlight Ring Seal. 8-1/2" O.D., 6-5/8" I.D. Pair-HR 1Headlight Ring Seal. 8-1/2" O.D., 6-5/8" I.D. Pair

1955 Jaguar XK140 Tail-light Lens Gaskets. Pair-LG 3000-140Tail-light Lens Gaskets. Pair

1955 Jaguar XK140 Door Side and Trunk Seal. Sponge Rubber. Sold by the foot-LP 40-BDoor Side and Trunk Seal. Sponge Rubber. Sold by the foot

1955 Jaguar XK140 Tail-light Pads. 3-5/8" wide X 9-5/8" long. Pair R&L-MP 799-ETail-light Pads. 3-5/8" wide X 9-5/8" long. Pair R&L

1955 Jaguar XK140 Windshield Wiper Transmission Pad-MP 799-HWindshield Wiper Transmission Pad. 1-1/8" wide X 1-1/2" long. Each

1955 Jaguar XK140 Parking Light Pads. 3-1/2" O.D. Pair-MP 799-JParking Light Pads. 3-1/2" O.D. Pair

1955 Jaguar XK140 Turn Signal Pads. Exact reproduction. 3-1/4" O.D. Pair-MP 799-ZZTurn Signal Pads. Exact reproduction. 3-1/4" O.D. Pair

1955 Jaguar XK140 Tail-light Lens Seals. Replaces OEM #574634-MP 999-DTail-light Lens Seals. Replaces OEM #574634. 2-1/2" wide X 4-7/8" long. Pair

1955 Jaguar XK140 Spark plug wire boot. Exclusive Metro part-RP 1-KSpark plug wire boot. Exclusive Metro part. Fits on the distributor cap end. Note: looks similar to coil boot, but is physically smaller. Replaces OEM# CO 2609. Each.

1955 Jaguar XK140 Jack Holder. Used to keep jack from rattling-RP 90-AJack Holder. Used to keep jack from rattling. Fits 1-1/2" hole. 1-1/4" I.D. Each

1955 Jaguar XK140 Rear Axle Bumper. 4-1/2" long, 1-1/2" wide, 2" high. Each-XB 21-ARear Axle Bumper. 4-1/2" long, 1-1/2" wide, 2" high. Each

1955 Jaguar XK140 Front Suspension Bumper-XB 21-BFront Suspension Bumper. Overall length is 3-1/4" X 1-1/2" wide. Each

1955 Jaguar XK140 Overdrive Shaft Mount Bumper. Made with steel backing plate-XB 21-COverdrive Shaft Mount Bumper. Made with steel backing plate. 4-7/8" long, 2-1/16" wide. Each