Image of 1956 Jaguar Xk140, sourced from www.motorcarstudio.com , Image Link.

1956 Jaguar XK140: A Timeless Classic

As the successor to the illustrious XK120, the 1956 Jaguar XK140 roared onto the scene with a blend of elegance and power that was unmatched in its day. Crafted by the renowned British manufacturer Jaguar Cars, this model was a testament to post-war automotive excellence. The XK140 carved its niche in the annals of motoring history by offering a perfect balance of luxury and performance, a feat that few cars of its era could claim. A notable moment in its storied past includes its impressive showing at competitive racing events, which solidified its status as a sports car par excellence.

Design and Innovation

The XK140's exterior styling was an evolution of its predecessor's design, featuring a more substantial front grille and bumpers that exuded confidence and strength. The interior was a haven of luxury, with rich leather upholstery and polished wood accents that spoke volumes about the quality of materials used. Technologically advanced for its time, it featured innovations such as rack and pinion steering. Color options ranged from stately British Racing Green to a vibrant Carmen Red, with the former often being the color of choice for purists. The XK140 was available in three body styles: Fixed Head Coupe (FHC), Drophead Coupe (DHC), and Roadster (OTS), with the elegant DHC often stealing the spotlight.

Historical Significance

The XK140's impact on automotive design was profound; it pushed forward the integration of performance with luxury in sports cars. It stood out from its contemporaries with its refined aesthetics and superior engineering, setting a benchmark for future generations of grand tourers. Its influence is still seen today in modern luxury sports cars that strive to capture the XK140's magic.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its bonnet lay a robust 3.4-liter inline-six engine that propelled the XK140 to a top speed upwards of 120 mph—a remarkable feat at the time. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was achieved briskly in under 10 seconds. The vehicle's handling was equally impressive; it navigated bends with poise and absorbed road imperfections gracefully, providing drivers with an exhilarating yet refined experience. The symphony of its engine at full throttle was music to any enthusiast's ears.

Ownership Experience

The XK140 served multiple roles—from a daily driver to a weekend showpiece or even as a competitive racer. Maintenance required dedication, as with most classics, but it rewarded owners with reliability when properly cared for. Parts were generally accessible due to the car's popularity among enthusiasts.

Fun Facts

This iconic Jaguar has graced many collections, including those of celebrities like Steve McQueen. While not known for breaking speed records, it held its own in endurance racing and rally events. Criticisms were few but included comments on its weight compared to lighter sports cars of the time.

Collector's Information

The value range for a well-maintained 1956 Jaguar XK140 can vary widely but typically falls between $80,000 and $150,000 depending on condition and originality. With an estimated production number around 8,900 units across all variants, this classic isn't exceedingly rare but is highly sought after by collectors worldwide. Over time, values have shown appreciation due to its timeless appeal and significance in automotive history.

Conclusion

The 1956 Jaguar XK140 remains an emblematic figure in classic motoring circles—a testament to Jaguar's commitment to style and performance. It stands as a bridge between the raw power of early sports cars and the sophisticated grand tourers we admire today. For those lucky enough to own or drive one, it offers an experience that is truly unforgettable.

1956 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

1956 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

1956 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

1956 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

1956 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

1956 Jaguar XK140 Tail-light Lens Gaskets. Pair-LG 3000-140Tail-light Lens Gaskets. Pair

1956 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

1956 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

1956 Jaguar XK140 Windshield Wiper Transmission Pad-MP 799-HWindshield Wiper Transmission Pad. 1-1/8" wide X 1-1/2" long. Each

1956 Jaguar XK140 Parking Light Pads. 3-1/2" O.D. Pair-MP 799-JParking Light Pads. 3-1/2" O.D. Pair

1956 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

1956 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

1956 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.

1956 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

1956 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

1956 Jaguar XK140 Front Suspension Bumper-XB 21-BFront Suspension Bumper. Overall length is 3-1/4" X 1-1/2" wide. Each

1956 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