1954 Jaguar XK140

XK 140 OTS (Open Two-Seater) - Matching Numbers & Matching Colours

What a fantastic and exceptionally rare colour combination.

The XK 140 was introduced at the end of 1954 and officially launched as a 1955 model. Compared with its predecessor, the XK120, it featured several exterior enhancements, including larger front and rear bumpers with overriders, as well as front indicators mounted above the bumper. The bonnet retained a similar overall shape but was redesigned as a one-piece panel with fewer, wider louvres. A Jaguar badge was integrated into the grille surround, while elegant chrome strips ran along the centreline of both the bonnet and boot lid. The boot carried a "Winner Le Mans 1951-3" badge, celebrating the Jaguar C-Type's legendary victories at Le Mans in 1951 and 1953.

The interior was also improved, particularly for taller drivers. By repositioning the engine, bulkhead and dashboard further forward, Jaguar created an additional 76 mm of legroom. As a result, the XK 140 offers a noticeably more comfortable driving experience, even for those over 1.80 m tall.

Power comes from Jaguar's renowned 3.4-litre XK inline-six engine with twin overhead camshafts, producing 190 bhp (142 kW) at 5,500 rpm in standard specification. As with the XK120, wire wheels and a twin-exhaust system were available as optional extras. Cars equipped with the standard steel wheels were fitted with rear-wheel spats, giving the car an even more distinctive profile.

This particular XK 140 was built on 17 December 1954 in its original and highly desirable specification of Pacific Blue with a Blue interior and Blue soft top. It was subsequently delivered to Jaguar importer Hoffmann in New York, USA.

Discovered in 2019 in good condition and retaining its original matching-numbers status, this rare example has since undergone a comprehensive nut-and-bolt restoration. More than 1,800 hours were invested in the project, with every component carefully inspected and restored by hand. All cavities were opened and treated, only irreparable body panels were professionally replaced, and the wooden door frames, together with the complete electrical system, were renewed.

Particular emphasis was placed on restoring the car exactly as it would have left the Jaguar factory in 1954. Every detail has been returned to its correct specification, and traditional lead-loading techniques were used in place of modern body filler wherever surface finishing was required. This highly skilled craftsmanship, mastered by only a handful of specialists today, is evident throughout the car. The precision of the panel gaps, the quality of the finishes and the exceptional flatness of the body panels speak for themselves.

The paintwork has been finished with two coats of clear lacquer and protected with a ceramic coating. The result is an elegant and highly sporting Jaguar classic presented in a condition that arguably surpasses its original factory standard.