West Coast Classics are proud to present this exceptional 1955 Jaguar XK140 MC Roadster, restored in 1993 by the 'Classic Car Center' in Warsaw, Indiana, involved taking the car's body to bare metal before applying this original Green finish. This particular chassis, S811390, is a highly desirable "MC" model, which signifies it was factory-equipped with the Special Equipment (SE) package and the high-performance C-Type cylinder head.
Key details of this specific Jaguar include: - Chassis Number:
S811390
, featuring the "S" prefix indicative of its Special Equipment status. - Engine: A numbers-matching 3.4-liter inline-six paired with a four-speed manual transmission.
- Performance: The MC designation raised the engine's output to 210 horsepower, a significant jump over the standard 190 horsepower
- Provenance: Owned by the Classic Car Centre since 1989 before being acquired by the Dane Miller Estate in 1993 and kept in a climate-controlled facility.
- Highly desirable numbers-matching MC example
- Factory 210-horsepower C-Type cylinder head engine
- Acquired by The Dane Miller Estate Collection over 33 years ago
- Accompanied by a JDHT Certificate and file of invoice records
With the success of the sensational XK120, the next generation of sports cars from Jaguar had a tough act to follow. Engineers at Jaguar, while quite pleased with the performance and acceptance of their first postwar efforts, knew they could improve. While the displacement of the tried-and-true 3.4-litre inline-six remained unchanged, improvements in horsepower were achieved through the use of a higher lift cam, improved porting, and better breathing SU carburetors.
These few improvements added 30 horsepower to the overall ratings. In addition to engine functions, the motor was moved forward about three inches for better balance. A close-ratio four-speed gearbox combined with the well-tuned engine led to some highly spirited performance runs. Improved handling on the XK140 was based on the rack and pinion setup first used by Jaguar on the fabulous C-Type race cars. Suspension upgrades included stiffer torsion bars combined with improved telescopic shock absorbers which were now found on all four corners of the chassis. Exterior styling on the new model was based on the original XK120s but could be distinguished by its new larger front and rear bumpers, a revised and enlarged radiator grille opening, plus improved rear taillights that incorporated turn signals.
Manufactured in May of 1955, this numbers-matching 1955 Jaguar XK140 MC Roadster, Chassis S811390, left the factory with the desirable top-of-the-line SE / MC option, as the starting S prefix in the serial number and Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate will attest.
The Dane Miller Estate Collection would acquire this XK140 MC in 1993 from a neighboring Euro automobile company in Warsaw, Indiana, the Classic Car Centre, who had owned this Jag since 1989.
Housed in an impressive two-story climate-controlled collection facility, this Jaguar has been diligently watched over since its comprehensive restoration that was completed in 1993. Carried out by the Classic Car Centre, this example was taken to bare metal and finished in its current shade of Oak Green. The original specification Jaguar Biscuit interior was sourced from G.W. Bartlett Company, which is documented by a certificate of authenticity, as well as invoice records. Being a factory MC model, this Jag is equipped with an array of desirable exterior items that include the iconic knock-off wire wheels, Lucas fog lights, and rear dual exhaust.
Under the front hood, the MC option, or special equipment package, continues to further this example's desirability. A performance-oriented variant of the standard XK140, factory upgrades include high-performance cylinder heads derived from Jaguar?s Le Mans-winning C-Type race car, which increased output to 210 horsepower versus 190 HP for standard cars. Other mechanical features include high-output carburetors and ignition to the match the performance of the upgraded cylinder heads.
The sportiest and most desirable factory version of the beloved XK140, combined with its long-term ownership and documented restoration, this 1955 Jaguar XK140 MC offers a compelling opportunity to join a new collection for the first time in 33 years.
