1956 Jaguar XK140 Roadster

Ever since Jaguar changed the sports car landscape with the introduction of the Jaguar XK120, both owners and manufacturers have asked themselves: how do they do it?

Manufactured by Jaguar Cars from 1954 to 1957, the Jaguar XK140 Roadster was the successor to the highly successful XK120, which had been introduced in 1948—a car that was cheaper and faster than all of its competition at the time. It was powered by the same 3.4-litre inline-six engine as the XK120, but with several improvements that increased its output to 190 horsepower.

The car also featured several other upgrades, including larger bumpers, indicators mounted on the wings, and more comfortable seats with increased legroom. It was also the first Jaguar to feature an adjustable steering column—a notable upgrade over the XK120.

Here we have a beautifully restored and exceptionally rare 1956 Jaguar XK140 Roadster. According to its Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, it retains its original chassis and engine numbers, and this example is a factory right-hand drive. Over the four years that this model was in production, only 3,282 units were produced, with just 74 made in right-hand drive. Right-hand drive examples are exceedingly rare, a direct result of heightened demand from international markets.

This car comes with a fascinating history that we are delighted to share. In 1956, it was sold new to a decorated Wing Commander of the US Air Force. The Commander did not change the steering configuration, keeping it as is, as he planned to move back to the UK. It is unclear whether the car remained in America or journeyed with the airman to the UK. In 1968, the first owner of the Jag sold it privately to an Australian who imported it to Australia. From there, it remained under Victorian registration with its second owner until 1991, when the current owner purchased it in derelict condition.

The XK140 Roadster then underwent a full nut-and-bolt restoration starting in 1991. The engine, gearbox, suspension, and driveline were completely rebuilt, while the bodywork and interior were professionally restored by a local marque specialist and painted in its current Carmine Red. However, its original colour combination was Suede Green over Green. Today, the vehicle presents incredibly well, as if it were only finished yesterday, having been sparingly driven by its current owner over the past 34 years.

Accompanying this car is a Jaguar Heritage Certificate, along with a wealth of documentation, ownership records, and even its award certificate for being a concours-winning car. It won the Outright Concours Winner award, along with Highest Placed Sports Car, Concours Team, and 1st in Class E.

This Jag is certainly not short of incredible provenance that would be of interest to a true classic car enthusiast and discerning collector.

The Jaguar XK140 is a car that effortlessly combines stunning English motoring heritage with raw performance. It’s not just about numbers or speed—it’s about the experience. The way it makes you feel when you drive it is something that modern cars simply can’t match. It’s a classic in every sense of the word, and driving it reminds you why we fell in love with cars in the first place. Simply put, this isn’t just a car—it’s an experience you’ll never forget.