Jaguar XK140 - A Brief History

The XK140 Jaguar was introduced in October 1954 to replace the top selling XK120. There were as before 3 body styles - Roadster, Fixed Head Coupe and Drophead Coupe. Both of the coupe's now featured occasional rear seating for 2 adults. All the new models featured similar body pressings as the XK120, but the doors were now 3 inches longer as the engine, bulkhead and windscreen had been moved forward to improve the interior space. There was also different external trim, such as a one piece heavier looking front grill and large Mk VII saloon style bumpers. Mechanical Improvements over the XK120 which were common to all models included rack and pinion steering, telescopic dampers, and a more powerful version of the 3442cc engine which produced 190 bhp, or in the optional SE or "Special equipment" models 210 bhp. These SE models also had the option of wire wheels. Later on in the production run in 1956, an automatic gearbox became available as an optional extra on the Drophead and fixed head coupe's. Overdrive also became available as an option on all models.

Specifications

Model

Roadster

Drophead Coupe

Fixed head Coupe

Years Produced

1954 - 1957

1954 - 1957

1954 - 1957

Body Type

Steel body (alloy bonnet and boot) on separate chassis

Length

14ft 8in

14ft 8in

14ft 8in

Width

5ft 4.5in

5ft 4.5in

5ft 4.5in

Weight

28cwt

29cwt

28.5cwt

Engine

6 cylinder twin overhead camshaft 3442cc inline

Power

190 bhp @ 5500 rpm (210 bhp @ 5750 rpm Special Equipment models)

Gearbox

4 speed, synchro on 2nd, 3rd and top, optional overdrive or automatic

Driven Wheels

Rear

Rear

Rear

Brakes

Drums front and rear

Drums front and rear

Drums front and rear

Front Suspension

Independent by torsion bar & wishbone, anti-roll bar

Rear Suspension

Live axle / leaf spring

Live axle / leaf spring

Live axle / leaf spring

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