2015-07-14 21:29:56 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 8/15

russoandsteele.com/vehicle-details/

Auction description:

1955 Jaguar XK140 Roadster

Consignment # 4037

VIN #S810008

Vehicle to be offered for Auction sale WITHOUT RESERVE and SOLD to the highest bidder August 13 - 15, 2015 at Russo and Steele's 15th Annual Monterey, California Auction.

Sold: $121,000.

Based on its serial number, S810008, this XK140 MC Roadster is a very early-production, original left-hand drive, U.S.-delivery example. Given that XK140 serial numbers for America-bound export models began from 810000, this specific XK140 is one of the earliest cars of the series produced, with an October, 1954 production month, and it is consequently one of the earliest XK140s remaining in existence today. Further, the S prefix to its serial number indicates it was equipped when new with the top-line MC option, which comprised the M or Special Equipment package including a crankshaft vibration damper, wire-spoke wheels, dual exhaust pipes, and fog lamps. The S suffix to the serial number of its 8:1 compression engine denoted the cars uprated 3.4-liter XK engine.

The Jaguars current owner, a Florida resident, acquired the car during January 2013 and as he purchased it, the car was already restored in 2011/2012 and equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox, nicely unlocking the powerful DOHC engines potential and providing relaxed cruising. Front disc brakes, an aluminum radiator, and other upgrades provide additional drivability and reliability. Featuring outstanding colors, this XK140 consistently draws admiration and never fails to draw attention wherever it goes.

2024-04-09 19:08:56 | pauls writes:

Car returns to auction 4/24

listings.worldwideauctioneers.com/product/1955-jaguar-xk140-mc-roadster/

Auction description:

1955 Jaguar XK140 MC Roadster

A numbers-matching MC example

Benefitting from 53 years of single enthusiast ownership

Tastefully updated with a five-speed manual gearbox, front disc brakes, and an aluminum radiator

Believed to be one of the earliest surviving left-hand drive export XK140s

VIN: S810008

Assembled in October of 1954, this numbers-matching 1955 Jaguar XK140 MC Roadster, Chassis S810008, is likely one of the first production, left-hand drive XK140 U.S.-delivery examples to be produced. Serial numbers for America-bound export models began at 810000, so one would assume this would be the 8th one produced. Additionally, it leads to this XK140 being one of the earliest known surviving examples today. To further its heritage, the starting "S" prefix in the serial number indicates it left the factory with the top-of-the-line MC option, or special equipment package, which included a crankshaft vibration damper, wire-spoke wheels, dual exhaust pipes, and fog lamps.

Today, this early XK140 MC benefits from a top-shelf restoration that was completed in 2012 under a Florida owner who reportedly maintained this Jag for an impressive 53 years. Benefiting from few collectors since, the restoration has matured nicely and only shows slight signs of mellowing in the paint, specifically noticable atop the boot. A classic Jaguar red color, paired with fine tan leather and sparkling chrome wire wheels, its stance is that of a true untamed British Roadster. Under the long-term owner's tenure, he opted to tastefully update this Roadster with a five-speed manual gearbox, front disc brakes, and an aluminum radiator, further elevating its sporty driving experience.

Most recently, this Jaguar has undergone a major servicing in the winter of 2023 that consisted of an oil change, new oil filter housing, coolant flush, carb rebuild, new brake master cylinders, new brake shoes, and new spark plugs. At this same time, the wire wheels were re-chromed and fitted with new Coker Classic tires. Other features include a black convertible soft top and matching tonneau cover.

A fascinating example, as it is one of the first U.S. import XK140s to leave the famed factory, this charming numbers matching Jaguar, is a testament to the continued refinement, speed, and overall sophistication that can be found on each and every Jaguar automobile.