1956 Jaguar XK-140 MC 3.4 FHC

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Description

Classic Showcase is proud to present this comprehensively restored, numbers-matching 1956 Jaguar XK-140 MC Fixed Head Coupe. This outstanding example has just completed a full, no-expense-spared restoration to Show-level standards, with every system, component, and cosmetic detail addressed to achieve a result suitable for concours-level exhibition, high-level touring, and collection. Built in June of 1956 and originally delivered to Mr. Louis R. Emme at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo, Norway, the XK-140 had been in long-term storage under single-family ownership prior to our acquisition. This exceptional level of originality provided the perfect foundation for a restoration that emphasized authenticity, accuracy, and mechanical excellence.

Upon arrival, the Jaguar was fully disassembled, documented, and photographed in detail. All components were cataloged and evaluated for restoration or replacement. The body was stripped to bare metal, placed on a rotisserie, metal finished, and leaded. Panel gaps were hand-fit, and all body panels, trim, rubber, and glass were test-fitted to ensure ideal alignment. Following extensive metal and bodywork preparation, the car was primed, sealed, painted in its stunning Dove Grey finish, and clear-coated. Each part was painted off the car to maintain full coverage and finish quality, then color sanded and buffed to a concours-level.

Mechanical Systems – Engine & Driveline:

· Original, numbers-matching 3.4L inline-6 engine fully rebuilt to factory specifications
· Cylinder head reconditioned, valve seats and guides replaced, valves machined and reseated
· Block magnafluxed, decked, and bored to spec
· New pistons, rings, bearings, timing chains, and gaskets
· Rebuilt SU H6 carburetors, polished and re-jetted
· Rebuilt distributor with new points, rotor, condenser, cap, and wires
· Lucas coil, resistor, and voltage regulator restored or replaced
· Rebuilt generator and starter motor
· Re-cored radiator with correct clamps and hoses
· New water pump, thermostat, and heater valve installed
· Restored original exhaust manifolds
· New stainless steel exhaust system
· Clutch assembly rebuilt with resurfaced flywheel and new pressure plate, disc, and throw out bearing
· Transmission rebuilt with new bearings and seals
· Rear axle assembly rebuilt with new bearings and seals.
· Driveshaft rebuilt with new U-joints and balanced to spec

Electrical & Lighting:

· Complete new wiring harness installed
· Lucas headlights and brake lights with restored reflectors and lenses
· Correct horn assembly restored

Fuel System:

· New fuel tank epoxy-sealed
· New tank fuel sender installed
· New fuel hard lines and rubber hoses installed throughout
· SU electric fuel pump newly installed and mounted with correct isolators

Cooling System:

· Re-cored radiator with accurate finish and cap
· New fan belt & pulley
· All cooling hoses and clamps matched to original spec
· Rebuilt wiper motor and heater system

Interior – Trim & Upholstery:

· Completely new custom-tailored interior using correct grain leather
· New leather seat covers, foam, diaphragms, and frames restored
· Door panels, kick panels, and rear trim fully reupholstered
· New wood dash and trim panels
· Restored and calibrated original Smiths gauges
· Rebuilt switches, knobs, and control cables
· New dash top, under-dash panels, and glovebox fitted
· New headliner installed with new lights
· Rear cargo area fully retrimmed with leather straps, board panels, and correct materials
· Restored original steering wheel
· Restored window regulators and hardware with new felt and rubber channels
· Correct interior light, door seals, and dome lamp installed

Glass, Seals, and Weatherstripping:

· New windshield glass installed (with good original rear glass)
· Original door glass and quarter glass reinstalled with all new rubber seals, gaskets, and dust boots throughout
· Chrome trim fitted with new clips and gaskets

Brightwork & Exterior Trim:

· All original chrome items re-plated to concours finish
· Grille, bumpers, and window surrounds replaced
· Door handles, overriders, and trunk latch
· New license plate light assembly
· All chrome screws, fasteners and hardware installed.

Suspension, Steering & Brakes:

· Front suspension rebuilt with new bushings and upper/lower ball joints
· Rear suspension restored with new shocks and bushings
· New tie rods, ends, and boots
· All fasteners properly plated (CAD, zinc, etc.) based on original finish
· Brake system fully rebuilt with new master and wheel cylinders
· New hard lines and flexible brake hoses
· Restored brake drums, shoes, and hardware

Wheels, Tires, & Accessories:

· Chrome wire wheels restored
· New Vredestein radial tires installed and balanced
· Correct 2-eared knock-offs restored
· Boot with original-style tools included
· New battery installed

After the car’s assembly, it underwent a thorough quality-control checklist including torquing of all hardware, alignment of body panels, and calibration of all mechanical and electrical systems. The Jaguar then entered its testing phase with multiple short- and long-distance road tests; after each drive, the vehicle was returned to the lift for undercarriage inspections, adjustments, and fluid checks. The Jaguar is now being driven under limited test miles to ensure all systems are fully sorted and ready for both concours showing and confident touring.

A full high-resolution pictorial video documenting the entire restoration accompanies the car and illustrates the level of craftsmanship that went into returning this rare XK-140 MC FHC to its original glory. This is a world-class and Blue-Chip collectible investment-grade example of a high-performance Jaguar coupe from the golden era of British motoring that is a perfect choice for the discerning collector.

History

In 1951 the ‘SE’ spec was introduced. In American markets it was called "MC" to note the car used the high-performance cylinder heads from the Jaguar C-Type Le Mans race car, along with largely SU carburetors, and dual exhaust pipes offering a power boost to 210 bhp at 5,750 rpm. Newly introduced for 1955, the Jaguar XK140 was broadly similar to, though more refined than, its sensational XK120 predecessor, major engineering changes being confined to the repositioning of the engine 3" further forward and the adoption of rack-and-pinion steering. Outwardly the newcomer was distinguishable by its revised radiator grille, rear lights incorporating flashing indicators and larger bumpers, the latter adopted to withstand the cut and thrust of urban parking. Special Equipment (SE) cars came with wire wheels and Lucas fog lamps, and could be ordered with the C-type cylinder head for 20 more horsepower. XK140 performance was well up to the standards set by its exemplary predecessor, contemporary road-tests regularly recording top speed figures in excess of 120mph.

Authenticity