Shown in Red, this 1955 Jaguar XK140 MC appeared to the TV series "Pan Am” and was featured at the Greenwich Concours d'Elegance.
The "M" upgrade includes special equipment - wire wheels and driving lights. The "C" performance package with C-type heads and red plaque on cam covers. The XK140 kept the split two-piece windscreen, internal door pulls, and inside curtains found on the XK120 but featured larger bumpers front and rear.
Overview
- Make and Model: 1955 Jaguar XK140 MC
- Manufacturer: Jaguar Cars Ltd.
- Series: XK Series (successor to the XK120)
- Designation: "MC" stands for "Modified C-type," which includes performance upgrades
Specifications
- Engine: 3.4-liter (3442 cc) DOHC inline-six engine
- Power Output: Approximately 210 horsepower (in the MC variant)
- Transmission: 4-speed manual, with optional overdrive
- Chassis: Steel body on a box-section frame, with torsion bar front suspension and leaf springs at the rear
Design and Features
- Body Styles: Available in three body styles – Roadster (Open Two Seater, OTS), Drophead Coupe (DHC), and Fixed Head Coupe (FHC)
- Exterior: Classic British sports car design with a long hood, flowing lines, and an elegant grille. The XK140 featured chrome accents, larger bumpers, and a redesigned front grille compared to its predecessor, the XK120.
- Interior: Luxuriously appointed with leather seats, walnut dashboard, and high-quality materials. The MC variant often featured upgraded equipment and more luxurious touches.
- Brakes: The XK140 featured improved braking with larger drums and better cooling than the XK120.
Historical Context
The Jaguar XK140 was introduced in 1954 as a successor to the highly successful XK120. It featured numerous improvements in comfort, handling, and performance. The XK140 retained the classic styling of the XK120 but incorporated several key enhancements to appeal to a broader market and to improve the driving experience.
Noteworthy Aspects
- Performance Upgrades: The "MC" designation indicated the high-performance variant of the XK140, equipped with the C-type cylinder head, which boosted power output. This variant also included dual exhausts and wire wheels.
- Racing Pedigree: Jaguar's success in motorsports, particularly with the C-type and D-type racing cars, influenced the performance and engineering of the XK140, making it a desirable option for enthusiasts seeking both performance and style.
- Improvements Over XK120: The XK140 offered more interior space, thanks to repositioned engine and bulkhead, improved cooling system, rack-and-pinion steering (a first for Jaguar), and better suspension.
Legacy
The Jaguar XK140 MC is celebrated for its combination of beauty, performance, and luxury. It continued Jaguar's legacy of producing elegant sports cars that were competitive both on the road and in motorsports.
You may purchase a print of the 1955 Jaguar XK140 MC in our dElegance 2019 online gallery.
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