1956 Jaguar XK 140 MC Drophead Coupe

The new owner paid the price times two for one of the finest XK 140 dropheads extant

The XK 140 was introduced in October 1954, retaining the classic XK lines but with major changes in engineering and appearance. A chrome strip ran down the length of the hood and another on the trunk lid drew attention to the medallion in the middle that proclaimed the marque’s Le Mans wins. The car wore sturdier bumpers and a tougher grille and with the C-type head developed for the XKC Le Mans race cars, the motor made 210 hp at 5,750 rpm.

Inside, the front seat and dashboard remained the same, but with considerably more leg room than the XK 120 because the engine block was moved forward on the chassis. There was also space behind the front seat. The Special Equipment models were designated “MC” and, like the car represented here, were fitted with wire wheels and Lucas FT576 foglamps mounted above the front bumper. The dual exhaust system had two separate silencers and ran through holes in the chassis cross members, emerging below the rear...