I just acquired my first XK, a 1957 XK140 MC OTS and want to share my joy!
It’s my 3rd Jaguar, the prior two being Series 1 E-Types over the past 30 years. I’ve long admired XK’s and came close to buying one on one or two occasions. Along the way, I’ve learned that at 6’3" I really don’t fit in a 120, and that I prefer the 120/140 swoopy fender lines to the 150. I love the roadsters and am a bit of a performance junkie, so for me an XK-140 MC OTS it had to be.
The car looked great in pictures. The owner is a fastidious engineer who purchased the car in 1979 from its original owner and has babied it ever since. In the 1990’s it received a respray in its original color of British Racing Green and the interior was also retrimmed. I flew out to inspect it last Saturday and naturally was a little tenuous. Would the car be as good as it looked in the pictures? I’ve never been in a 140, would I fit? Would I enjoy driving it, or would it just be too “truckish” for me? The owner and his wife were very nice and after a brief chit chat we went into the garage… my jaw just about hit the floor. The car was absolutely stunning! Body gaps perfect, no rust, nicely worn patina to the interior. With the exception of a very minor scratch here or there the paint was perfect. Engine numbers match the build plate, and the chassis and head numbers both contain the appropriate “S” markings. Compression was 150 down the line. My magnetic “rustometer” found no hidden bondo, but it did detect the alloy doors, hood, and trunk. It was time for the test drive. I was pleased that once seated I actually had sufficient leg room. It fired right up and sounded great. Even though we were going easy as it warmed up, the engine immediately felt powerful and pulled smoothly. The drum brakes require a bit more pressure than I am used to but do the job quite adequately, pulling the car down nice and straight. Steering is tight and direct with no slop. The car handles quite nicely and is a truly pleasure to drive. The non-synchro first makes a wonderful gear whine and is easy to operate if you are patient and deliberate. Once it was up to temp I gave it the beans and was duly impressed. This car must have just blown people away in the '50’s. So it was time for the moment of truth: The car was way better than expected, I actually fit, I really enjoyed driving it, the owner was wonderful, and the price was right. I couldn’t not buy it!
It arrived at home yesterday. I went over all the systems again then took it out for a ride. What a pleasure!
I then spent a few hours with it on my lift slowly cleaning everything underneath, then just had to go out again for another ride. I put it away but couldn’t leave it for long. I ended up taking it out for on four separate drives yesterday. I really, really like this car and feel lucky to have the opportunity to start the third chapter in its life.
I look forward to benefiting from the knowledge and experience on this forum as I get to know my new XK.