Image of 1957 Jaguar Xk140, sourced from en.m.wikipedia.org , Image Link.

Unveiling the Elegance of the 1957 Jaguar XK140

The year 1957 marked a pinnacle in automotive design with the release of the Jaguar XK140, a vehicle that not only exuded elegance but also pushed the boundaries of performance and luxury. Crafted by the esteemed British manufacturer, Jaguar Cars, this model was a testament to the company's commitment to excellence and innovation. As an evolution of its predecessor, the XK120, the XK140 carried forward Jaguar's racing heritage while incorporating refinements that set new standards in the industry. A notable moment in its history was when it became a symbol of post-war optimism and technological progress, capturing the hearts of enthusiasts and celebrities alike.

Design and Innovation

The XK140's exterior styling was a harmonious blend of sweeping curves and poised stance, making it an instant classic. The front grille's bold presence was complemented by the sensuous lines that flowed from the elongated bonnet to the elegant rear fenders. Inside, occupants were greeted with an opulent cabin adorned with rich leather upholstery and polished wood trim, showcasing Jaguar's attention to detail and craftsmanship. Technologically advanced for its time, it featured innovations like rack-and-pinion steering which provided precise control. Color options ranged from British Racing Green to Carmen Red, with the former often being the color of choice for purists. The XK140 was available in several body styles including Roadster (OTS), Fixed Head Coupe (FHC), and Drop Head Coupe (DHC), with the Roadster being particularly sought after for its open-air driving experience.

Historical Significance

The 1957 XK140 made an indelible mark on automotive history through its blend of style, speed, and sophistication. It stood out from its contemporaries by offering a level of luxury that few could match while also providing thrilling performance. This combination helped cement Jaguar's reputation as a maker of fine sports cars and influenced future generations of GT vehicles.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its sculpted hood lay a 3.4-liter straight-six engine capable of propelling the XK140 to impressive speeds for its era, with top speeds reaching around 125 mph. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was achieved briskly in less than 10 seconds—a remarkable feat at the time. The car's handling characteristics were equally praiseworthy; it navigated bends with grace and absorbed road imperfections without unsettling its composure. The symphony of its engine provided an auditory treat while the tactile feedback through its wooden steering wheel connected drivers intimately with the road.

Ownership Experience

Owners of the 1957 Jaguar XK140 cherished it for various reasons; some enjoyed its reliability as a daily driver while others reveled in showcasing it at car shows or participating in historic racing events. Its maintenance and reliability were considered manageable for those familiar with classic car upkeep, though some components could be challenging to source due to their rarity. Overall, owning an XK140 was both a privilege and a pleasure.

Fun Facts

The XK140 has graced many collections worldwide, including those of renowned celebrities such as Steve McQueen. It has held records for speed in its class and has made appearances in numerous films and rallies, further solidifying its iconic status. While some critics may have pointed out its weight or size compared to smaller sports cars, these aspects contributed to its grand touring prowess.

Collector's Information

Today, a well-preserved 1957 Jaguar XK140 can fetch anywhere from $80,000 to well over $150,000 depending on condition, originality, and provenance. Approximately 8,900 units were produced across all body styles during its production run from 1954 to 1957. The market trend shows an appreciation in value for this classic model as collectors seek out examples that offer both driving enjoyment and investment potential.

Conclusion

The 1957 Jaguar XK140 remains a shining example of automotive artistry from a bygone era. Its combination of beauty, power, and refinement continues to captivate enthusiasts around the globe. As we reflect on this vehicle's legacy, it stands as a testament to Jaguar's enduring pursuit of perfection—a true classic that will forever hold a special place in motoring history.

1957 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

1957 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

1957 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

1957 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

1957 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

1957 Jaguar XK140 Tail-light Lens Gaskets. Pair-LG 3000-140Tail-light Lens Gaskets. Pair

1957 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

1957 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

1957 Jaguar XK140 Windshield Wiper Transmission Pad-MP 799-HWindshield Wiper Transmission Pad. 1-1/8" wide X 1-1/2" long. Each

1957 Jaguar XK140 Parking Light Pads. 3-1/2" O.D. Pair-MP 799-JParking Light Pads. 3-1/2" O.D. Pair

1957 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

1957 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

1957 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.

1957 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

1957 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

1957 Jaguar XK140 Front Suspension Bumper-XB 21-BFront Suspension Bumper. Overall length is 3-1/4" X 1-1/2" wide. Each

1957 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