1956 Jaguar XK 140 “MC” Roadster

It’s no surprise that the seller didn’t drive it in the rain, as the aeroscreen modifications don’t provide any place to fasten the soft-top and side screens

by Gary Anderson

During the Second World War, William Lyons and his colleagues conceived a new car design that featured the world’s first high volume twin-cam engine, called the XK series. A short wheelbase chassis and a two-seat sports roadster body were married to this new engine and the result was nothing less than sensational—sleek, beautiful, and strikingly modern. The XK 120 made its first appearance for public view at the Earls Court Motor Show in October 1948. What an introduction it was, as all of the onlookers, writers and depressed competition alike marveled at this new Jaguar as it stole the show. As one journalist commented at the time, “All preconceived notions as to what was a series-production sports car disappeared overnight.” The XK 140 was introduced in late 1954, with a comprehensive list of improvements designed to overcome the 120’s shortcomings. Notable were the rack-and-pinion steering, increased performance with the optional C-type cylinder head,...