BUYER’S GUIDE

Jaguar XK140 review

All the glamour and good looks of the original XK120 with a few more modern refinements…

What Is It?

Conceived as an eye-catching vehicle in which to launch Jaguar’s then-new XK six-cylinder engine to the world, the XK120 rode the wave of post-war optimism for British sportscars and was a sales hit, not least in profitable export markets. The XK140 that followed didn’t mess with the formula, the pre-war BMW 328-inspired styling sticking to the same script with some subtle tweaks, while under the skin steering and suspension were modernised, a repositioned engine and bulkhead releasing more interior space.

Performance was also improved, with over 200PS (147kW) for Special Equipment models and genuinely impressive grunt for an early-50s sportscar. Choose from the racier Open 2-Seater or more luxurious Fixed or Drophead Coupes and you can’t go far wrong with this gorgeous British sporting star.

Corrosive Areas

Sills and bulkheads

Chassis rail suspension mounts

Headlight ‘bowls’

Checklist

XK140 launched as a replacement for the XK120 in 1954 and offered in the same mix of 2-seat Open Top (or roadster), Drop Head Coupe and Fixed Head Coupe
Per the 120, the former is considered sportier for its stripped-back build, folding windscreen, basic hood and side screens
Drop Head and Fixed Head Coupes much more luxurious in fixtures, fittings and features, with wind-up windows and lined soft-top where fitted
Repositioned engined and bulkhead freed up an extra three inches (c. 75mm) of interior space over the 120, this and longer doors helping access and providing room for rear seats, though these are best described as ‘occasional’
Special Equipment package offered in period boosted power to 213PS (157kW) with a C-Type head, revised ignition and twin-pipe exhaust — many have been subsequently upgraded to the same standard
Sophisticated for its day, the aluminium headed XK twin-cam is well-supported and well understood by marque specialists, as well as being endlessly tuneable
Any purchase will still need the necessary mechanical checks, so look for signs of fluid leaks, overheating and cross-contamination of oil and coolant
Engine should feel strong and smooth; transmissions can crunch and graunch in inexperienced hands but should settle down when cruising in-gear and warmed up
Standard drum brakes notoriously weak — many cars will have been retrofitted with XK150 spec discs, whether up front or all round to improve driveability in modern road conditions
Power steering is another commonly fitted modern convenience and potentially welcome unless you crave total originality
Body-on-frame construction means presentable panels could conceal structural corrosion in chassis rails and suspension mounts — inspect carefully!
Most cars will now have had some level of restoration or repair work — where possible make sure this is documented and of sufficient quality, as any subsequent remedial work will be expensive
Most XKs were exported and sold as left-hand drive; right-hand drive conversions aren’t unknown but can vary in quality so check history

How does it drive?

Sharper rack-and-pinion steering was a welcome update over the XK120, this still unassisted and heavy at low speeds but more precise as you start going quicker. More modern telescopic dampers meanwhile replaced the trad lever-arm ones on the 120, and mean smoother handling. It’s still a physical car to drive, and the original four-speed manual demands patience and finesse to make smooth progress. Modern five-speed conversions are hence a popular upgrade.

The engine is magnificent, though, with a creamy, torquey power delivery, fabulous sound and — even in standard trim — more than enough performance to do the looks justice. There’s more where that came from, too, specialists being well-versed in getting more power from the XK six if that’s what you want. You might want to upgrade the brakes as well if that’s your ambition, the standard drums not famous for their stopping power.

What’s good?

A fantastic engine wrapped in gorgeous bodywork with strong performance and a great image… What’s not to like? While the style and mechanical layout were grounded in pre-war engineering, the combination with that fabulous engine and sheer elegance of the package retain a timeless appeal, the slightly more modern running gear helping the handling and usability.

True, the styling is slightly more heavy-handed than the XK120. But it’s still more elegant than the slab-sided look adopted by the later XK150 so retains the elegance of the original. This, the extra performance and the sharper handling all add up to a package at least as appealing — and perhaps more usable — than the 120.

What’s bad?

While quicker and perhaps a little sharper, the XK140 can’t quite claim the same direct sporting heritage as the 120, which may count for something among purists. Beautiful as it is, it’s also a much more old-school driving experience than the E-Type that followed, with road manners more rooted in the 1940s than ‘50s or ‘60s.

Retrofitted power steering or modern five-speed gearboxes can help with that, and performance is strong, but it’s a more traditional — and committed — car to live with. Repairs and restorations don’t come cheap, either, and the temptations of buying with the heart rather than the head could lead to significant outlay.

Which model to choose?

If rarity value and the associated bragging rights matter to you, then you’ll be wanting to try and find one of the 70-odd right-hand drive Open 2-Seaters made in period, though these obviously carry a premium. These models — also known as roadsters — have the most stripped back and sporty vibe as well, the Drophead and Fixed Head Coupes having more luxurious cabins and wind-up windows.

In all cases beware shoddy right-hand drive conversions. For our money the hardtop cars look absolutely stunning, with more than a hint of ‘30s Bugatti Atlantic in the looks. But each to theirs and, as ever, it’s about finding the best one your money can stretch to and insisting on all the history and paperwork to back up its condition.

Specifications – Jaguar XK140

Engine

3.4-litre six-cylinder petrol

Power

193PS (142kW) @ 5,500rpm

Torque

285Nm (210lb ft) @ 2,500rpm

Transmission

Four-speed manual, rear-wheel drive

Kerb weight

c. 1,400kg

0-62mph

c. 9 seconds

Top speed

c. 120mph

Production dates

1954-1957