1957 Jaguar XK140 FHC

Description

If you watch the market, you've probably noted that Jaguar XKs are one of the hottest cars of any type. But did you ever stop to wonder why? Well, one drive of this fully restored 1957 Jaguar XK140 fixed-head coupe will clear everything up for you. They're valuable because they're just as fantastic to drive (especially at higher speeds) as they are to look at.

The XK140 was a slight evolution of the 120 and for many enthusiasts, it's the best blend of dramatic styling and comfort. For my money, the coupe might just be the prettiest of the three body styles, offering the awesome long nose, short deck look and that spectacular curving roofline that's just pure art in motion. The dark blue paint complements it perfectly, making this car look serious and mature, just the way a Jaguar should. Paint quality is great, befitting a car that will be more valuable next year than it is today, and there's no metallic in it, so it looks right on the vintage sheetmetal. Panel fit on these cars was indifferent (they were hand-built, after all) but during the restoration they sorted all that out and it fits together quite nicely today. The chrome was also restored, and while the heavier bumpers were a little less graceful than the 120s, they're in great shape as are the waterfall grille, twin mirrors perched out there on the front "wings" and the beautiful spine of chrome running down the trunk lid. There's simply no angle from which this car doesn't look spectacular.

Jaguar interiors have long been the source of envy, with a wonderful blend of old world craftsmanship and materials with sporting design. The XK140 coupe is no different, with handsome gray leather buckets that merge to form a kind of bench seat that makes it feel spacious inside. A wood-rimmed steering wheel remains adjustable for reach and the gauges are arrayed in a lovely chunk of real burled walnut, not some veneer. Traditional Smiths gauges are big and easy to read, although the rest of the controls are somewhat random and as a Jaguar owner you'll expect it. There's more wood and leather on the doors, a few touches of chrome, and yes, that's a rather rare automatic transmission shifter on the steering column, a real revolution for Jaguars. The restoration of this interior was completed by skilled hands using all of the top material, and it certainly shows. The coupe also offers a bit of space behind the seat for gear or really little people, as well as a nicely-appointed trunk for touring.

The 3.4 liter DOHC inline-6 is legendary for its flexibility and howling performance, and while it's muted and polished here, you can still tell that there's a thoroughbred waiting to run. This is not the car's original engine, but it is a correct XK140 MC-spec engine (call us for all the serial numbers) that makes a rather substantial 210 horsepower. It barks to life and settles into a decent idle thanks to a pair of side-draft carburetors and the red painted valley between the cam lobes adds some flash to all the aluminum under the hood. You'll also note a modern alternator replaces the original Lucas generator, a Pertronix ignition system lights it up, and there's a new radiator and fan up front. The automatic transmission is a Borg-Warner unit that was used in a myriad of cars in the US and it's a good match, with quick reflexes and proper gear spacing to let the six stay in the fat part of its power curve. The dual exhaust sounds spectacular and nobody can argue with the gorgeous chrome wire wheels and 6.00-16 wide whitewall tires.

Documented with a Heritage Certificate and accompanied by maintenance records and receipts dating back to the 1970s, this is a fully restored and fantastic Jaguar that you can drive and enjoy while it appreciates. Call today!