1957 Jaguar Other for sale $79,500

1957 Jaguar Other $79,500
Car Ad from: Hemmings View Original Ad
Price: $79,500
Contact: View Original Ad from Hemmings
Location: Emeryville, CA
Details: 1957 Jaguar XK140 MC Coupe
s/n S815890, engine no. G9416-8S
White with Red Leather Interior

The Jaguar XK series cars are among the most recognized and appreciated classic sports cars of the 1950andrsquo;s. These innovative, beautiful, and capable performance cars not only set a high standard in racing, they built Jaguar into a formidable manufacturer of fine touring cars. The first of the series, the XK120 launched with an all-new twin-cam inline-6 cylinder engine, capable of delivering 120 mph performance at a surprisingly affordable price. By 1955, the XK120 became the XK140, offering notable improvements including more legroom, increased horsepower, rack and pinion steering, telescoping shock absorbers, and improved brakes. As before, the coupe, drophead coupe, and roadster versions were available. Jaguar offered a range of performance options including the SE model, which could include the competition-derived C-Type cylinder head, designated as the MC. The SE (Special Equipment), came with wire wheels, dual exhaust, fog lamps, and larger carburetors, all of which resulted in 20 more horsepower.

This particular car is a matching numbers genuine XK140 MC Coupe, built 6 November 1956 and supplied to Jaguar Cars New York. Originally finished in black with red interior, its first owner, Robert Grant of Tucson, Arizona took delivery of it on 31 December 1956 as a gift for his wife. By 1975, the car had found its way to Florida, where it remained until 2008. The next owner comprehensively restored the car, setting it up for events and tours. During this time, the engine was rebuilt (2010) and all systems were made reliable for road and rally use. The current owner purchased it a few years ago, treating it to a complete driver quality paint job in proper Old English white, redoing much of the chrome and trim including the windshield and rear glass chrome trim and other details. At the same time, door and hood fit was improved. A wood-rimmed Moto Lita steering wheel was installed and various interior trim corrected.

This car makes a strong impression cosmetically with the recent paint and improved cosmetics, making it an ideal event car, which one can casually show. The paintwork is attractive overall, with no major flaws and high gloss. The white finish contrasts handsomely with the deep red wire wheels and chrome knock offs. The body is straight and solid with good gaps and panel operation. The passenger door, however does show minor uneven fit along the trailing edge. The chrome varies in condition, from the grille, which exhibits some marks in the center blade, and some light pitting on the headlight trims and taillight castings and various other pieces. The exterior door handles are very nice and recently redone. On balance, the chrome is attractive and glossy showing occasional light scratching but not detracting from the overall appearance. All glass is in very good shape. The leather hood strap, rally clocks on the dash, and absence of front bumper completes a nice rally aesthetic overall. The front bumper is included with the sale as part of the spares.

The interior is in nice shape, with a satisfying and authentic patina to the leather trim. The recently replaced carpets are in very good shape overall and appear to be of the correct wool. The dashboard is in very good shape and is correctly presented with original instruments and wood trim. The wood trim has some hairline cracks but presents well overall with no excessive warping. The headliner, rear seating area, and side panels are all consistent with the rest of the car andndash; tidy and cozy with a charming English ambiance.

The engine compartment presentation is consistent with the condition of the rest of the car being clean, attractive, and presentable, but not highly detailed or freshly restored. The matching numbers engine has some upgrades to the oiling and ignition systems and an electric fan to