1955 Jaguar XK 140 MC OTS Roadster - Stunning Show Winner

Description for Jaguar XK 1955

Description From our seller:

1955 Jaguar XK 140 OTS (Roadster) MC*

Arguably the original Jaguar XK series is one of the most beautiful automobile series ever designed and built. The legendary XK series, built between 1951 and 1961, won the grueling Lemans Grand Prix Race three years in a row: 1951, 1952, and 1953, as depicted on the boot cover (trunk lid) badge. So history supports its beauty which is matched by the handling ability and speed.

As can be seen the car for sale is a great representation of the Jaguar XK140 MC (OTS) Roadster. From its beautiful flowing design, and appealing color combination, to the reconditioning bright chrome it would make any owner proud, and with minimal effort it again could be a Concours d’Elegance contender. Whenever it is driven; for a ride, to a show, or to the Woodward Dream Cruise, people often comment how beautiful it is. On lady, last summer, summed it up beast as she stood staring at the car and called out; “That’s the most beautiful and sexiest car I’ve ever seen!” She was right.

The ground up restoration was a labor of love. From the top to the tires, and from the front bumper to the rear; nothing was left untouched. Ever part was refurbished, repaired, or replaced. Including a complete engine rebuild and transmission upgrade replacement. With everything that has been done to this car one might say it is almost “like new”. But the car is not just beautiful, it’s a pleasure to drive, and is a champion; as shown by the awards won at prestigious auto shows, listed below!

The car was not restored just to sit in a garage waiting to be shown, it was restored to be driven, enjoyed, and to bring a beautiful piece of automotive history back to life. That was accomplished, and the matching numbers reinforce the integrity of the car.

The restoration is now ten years old, but the car has been kept in excellent condition. There are a few flaws, but as the pictures show it is still beautiful, and because the engine was totally rebuilt, and new upgraded 5 speed transmission installed, driving it can be enjoyed for years to come. As stated before, anyone would be proud to own and drive it, and with minimal effort make it a Concours d’Elegance contender again.

I have driven the car for over ten years and enjoyed every minute behind the wheel. From the friendly waves, to the horn blows and thumbs up sign; it has been fun. The story of the lady calling it beautiful and sexy is true. It happened as I was parking at a restaurant in New Baltimore, MI. That is the type of reaction we get every time we go out in it, and so will you.

*The XK 140 MC was the top-of-the-line Jaguar. The Special Equipment models, designated as M and MC, are fitted with wire wheels and for lamps mounted above the front bumper. The MC was also equipped with the C-Type head, developed for the C-Type Le Mans race car, and the horsepower was raised to 210 at 5,750 rpm. Also, with the C-Type head came a dual exhaust system which used two separate silencers, with pipes running through holes in the chassis cross members and emerging below the rear over-rider. Additionally, it is fitted with a four speed manual transmission with overdrive.

*Matching Numbers: Original plate with numbers is fastened to firewall, and match those stamped on parts.

*Engine: 3.4 liter-3442 cc- 6 Cylinder twin overhead cam, 210 HP at 5,750 rpm

*Exterior/Interior Colors: Dark (Midnight) Blue paint, complimented by the Biscuit/Tan interior, top, and side curtains.

*Ground-up restoration: Total body-off, ground-up restoration completed in 2010. Every part was removed, cleaned, refurbished, repaired, or replaced. The engine was completely rebuilt at the same time.

*Upgrades:

Five Speed manual Ford T5 transmission w/manual overdrive. The T5 transmission was selected because it was quiet, smooth, reliable, and the gear ratio was almost identical to the original.

Rear crankshaft seal conversion. The original rope rear crankshaft seal was a known XK problem. It notoriously leaked oil heavily. So when the engine was rebuilt, and up to date modern rear seal conversion was installed.

Zeus Front Disc Brake Conversion, installed spring 2017

Seat belts

Five spoke wheels (powder coated)

Coker Classic Tires with 3 1/2” Whitewalls

Radiator Booster cooling fan (manual switch)

Stainless Steel Dual Exhaust System

Fog Lights

Top and side curtains (biscuit color, which compliments the car color)

Awards:

*2012 – Best of Class – European Sports Cars – at the prestigious Bay Harbour Vintage Car and Boat Show – Bay Harbor, MI

*2015 – Design of Distinction Red Ribbon Award – Eyes on Design Concours d’Elegance – Ford Estate, Grosse Point Shores, MI. Best representation of Jaguar XK140. The 2015 Eyes on Design Concours d’Elegance theme was honoring the work of five of the worlds best known and respected automotive designers. Sir William Lyon, Jaguar XK designer was included

Care:

*Garage Kept year round

*Serviced at the end of each season regardless of miles driven. Only oil with high ZDDP used for engine ware protection

*Driven 500 miles or less p/yr since restoration and engine rebuild was completed.

*Lead substitute always added to ne-lead gas. Again to minimize engine wear

Items Missing:

*Windscreen washer bottle not installed, but tubing is in place

*Cigar lighter outlet is wired but actual lighter not in car

*Heater not connected

Flaws:

*Paint blemishes, top of driver side door and on panel below boot (trunk) lid, and minor scratches. All can be fixed easily. Paint color, manufacturer, and numbers will be given to buyer.

*Rear (passenger side) wing (fender) shift, needs adjustment

*Aluminum/chrome flaw on (passenger side_ windscreen post

*Leather flaws (between seats) from seats rubbing over time

*Hairline crack in water jacket. The crack was permanently sealed and to this day absolutely no liquid is lost or visible on/in the engine compartment or on the pavement after the car is driven

That was ten(10) years ago and I have NOT had a problem. I’ve driven the car about 500 miles or less each season. The car has been driven in temperature ranges as low as 45 degrees in the spring and fall, to 95 degrees in the summer, in city low speed stop and go traffic, to highway speeds, and have never lost a drop of coolant. In addition, and to be sure there would not be a future problem, an epoxy coating material was also placed over the area and painted.

Engine number: G2450-8

Chassis Number: A810896DN

Body Number: F10906

Why is the car being sold? Simply because I’m 81 years old, and it’s time for someone else to enjoy the car.

We welcome a "Pre-Purchase" inspection prior to the end of the auction and are available to answer questions either by e-mail or phone.

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