Beschreibung:

3,442cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine 2 SU Carburetors 210bhp at 5,500rpm 5-Speed Manual Transmission (see text) Front Independent Suspension - Solid Rear Axle 4-Wheel Disc Brakes (see text) *Desirable factory MC specification *Older Concours-winning restoration *Enhanced mechanical specification for improved drivability *Diligently maintained and preserved *A popular choice for rallies and tours The Jaguar XK 140 While it has been said that the MG TC was the car that introduced America to the joys of sports cars in the late 1940s, it is arguably the Jaguar XK series that gave the sports car movement its style and dash. It is today difficult to believe that the company conceived the XK120 in 1948 as a limited-production specialty model to introduce and showcase the new twin-cam engine. By 1954 - 12,000 examples later - it was clear that it was something else altogether. The XK140 was launched in 1954, giving buyers what they loved about the 120, but with benefits of vastly improved steering, better cooling and brakes and most importantly, increased legroom thanks to a relocation of the engine and firewall. Also new was the option of a 'C-Type' cylinder head, borrowed from the Le Mans winning competition car. Jaguars so equipped were called 'SE' in the UK and 'MC' in the 'States. The package also included dual exhaust, wire wheels and fog lamps. The added power and improved breathing of the C-Type head gave the MC cars a quicker and more exciting response and this specification is much prized by enthusiast drivers. The Motorcar Offered According to the Jaguar Heritage Certificate offered with this car, it was finished on September 3, 1956 and shipped to Los Angeles on September 20. There it was delivered to its fortunate first owner, Mr. Claus von Mandell. In addition to the MC package, Mr. von Mandell also specified a close-ratio gearbox for his Carmen Red coupe. Clearly loved and well used during its lifetime, this Jaguar was the recipient of a lavishly detailed full restoration completed in 1988. It was then campaigned on the Concours circuit in Northern California in 1989 and in seven events entered garnered seven 'Best in Class' and six 'Best of Show' awards. Having proven its beauty, the XK's next owner wanted to exercise a bit of its brawn. A program of sympathetic performance enhancements were made from late 1999 to early 2000 by marque specialists XKs Unlimited of San Luis Obispo, CA. When it emerged from the shop, it boasted a ZF 5-speed transmission, disc brakes, aluminum flywheel, an alternator conversion, re-cored high efficiency radiator, front sway bar, new rear springs, rear traction control bars and rebuilt wire wheels, all in the interest of improved road performance. Simultaneously, general maintenance and servicing of the clutch, starter and carburetors was performed, as well as updating of some of the wiring and conversion to negative ground, this work carried out at a cost of over $20,000. The XK coupe was now ready to be as formidable a competitor on the vintage rally scene as it had been on the Concours lawn. The current custodian of this beautiful Jaguar is both a keen event driver as well as someone who insists on a high level of aesthetic presentation in the vehicles in his collection. The restoration, while certainly somewhat mellowed, is frequently mistaken as one performed much more recently than 25+ years ago. Mechanically, much attention, time and money has been lavished on maintenance and improvement. A small sampling includes the renewal of engine mounts, tappet guides, new Bell stainless steel exhaust system, new tires, new engine seals, new water pump and the rebuilding of the radiator head. Receipts for this work as well as the earlier restoration are available for review. For driving convenience the XK has been sensitively fitted with a Parrot Bluetooth hands-free installation and direct wired Garmin GPS. By any standard, the XK Fixed Head Coupe is one of the most beautiful Jaguars ever des