1956 Jaguar XK140: The Graceful Briton

The XK140 was one of the most iconic sports vehicles of its time. It offered a blend of style, performance, and luxury that was hard to beat. The model remained in production until 1957 when it was replaced by the even more advanced XK150.

Source: Hagerty

The XK140 quickly became a success and put Jaguar on the map as a manufacturer of high-performance sports vehicles. The advanced engine, combined with its stylish bodywork and excellent handling, made the automobile one of the most desirable automobiles of its time. This success was the foundation for Jaguar’s continued growth in the post-war years, leading to the introduction of the XK150 and later models that helped establish the brand as one of the premier automakers in the world.

The origins

Source: Pixels

The British legendary brand introduced the XK140 as a replacement for its successful XK120 model. The novelty turned out with enhanced performance and comfort features, making it more attractive to sports car enthusiasts of the time. The most notable change in the XK140 was its engine, which was upgraded to a 3.4-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that produced 190 horsepower. This was a significant improvement over the XK120’s engine, which produced only 160 horsepower. In addition to the increased power, the XK140 also had improved handling and suspension, thanks to the introduction of rack and pinion steering and the replacement of lever telescopic shock absorbers. The automobile was also equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission, and in 1956, an automatic Borg Warner transmission with steering column selector was added as an option. Externally, the model had a more modern and refined look compared to the XK120. It had a one-piece front and rear bumper with vertical fangs, turn signals, and a cast radiator grille with fewer vertical bars. In addition, the vehicle was offered in three body types: Open Two Seater (OTS), Drop Head Coupe (DHC), and Fixed Head Coupe (FHC). The roadster version was designed with a removable canvas top and plastic side windows, as well as a leather-trimmed dashboard and doors without external handles. The convertible and coupe models had a wood veneer instrument panel and a small extra seat in the back. The novelty was well-received by the market and was sold in 9,051 automobiles between 1954 and 1957. With its powerful engine, improved handling, and modern styling, it was one of the most popular sports cars of the 1950s.

The 1956 model year

Source: Classic Trader

The 1956 edition was a luxurious sports car that was designed for performance and comfort. It was equipped with a 3.4-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that was capable of producing up to 190 horsepower. This engine was mated to a 4-speed manual transmission that provided smooth and responsive shifting. The 1956 release also featured an advanced suspension system that consisted of a torsion bar front suspension and a live rear axle. This suspension setup provided excellent handling and a smooth ride, even on rough roads. Additionally, the car was equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels, providing improved stopping power over the drum brakes of previous models. The interior of the XK140 was designed to provide a comfortable and refined driving experience. The seats were upholstered in leather and were designed to provide adequate support and comfort, even on long drives. The dashboard was finished in wood veneers and featured a full set of gauges that provided critical information to the driver. There was also ample storage space throughout the cabin, including a glove compartment, door pockets, and a trunk. In terms of technology, the XK140 was equipped with several features that were considered advanced for its time. These included an electric windshield wiper, an adjustable steering column, and an optional overdrive system that allowed for more relaxed highway cruising. The car also featured a lockable glove compartment, door locks, and a heating system that provided a comfortable driving environment even in inclement weather.

Did you know?

Source: Classic Trader

Some famous films that featured the 1956 Jaguar XK140 include “Giant” (1956) starring James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor, “The Thomas Crown Affair” (1968) with Stevie McQueen, and “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” (1985).

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