The XK140 was launched in late 1954 and sold as a 1955 model. External changes that set it apart from the XK120 included more substantial front and rear shock absorbers with overriders and flashing direction signals (operated by a switch on the panel) above the front bumper.


The grid remained the same size, but it became a one-piece unit with smaller and wider vertical bars. The Jaguar emblem has been incorporated into the surround grid. A strip of chrome finish ran along the center of the hood (hood) and the boot lid (boot). An emblem on the boot lid contained the words "Le Mans winner 1951-3".

The interior was more comfortable for taller drivers, moving the engine, firewall and panel forward to give 76 mm more legroom. Two 6-volt batteries, one on each front wing, were mounted on the Fixed Head Coupe, but the Drop Heads and Open Two Seater had a single 12-volt battery installed on the front wing on the passenger side.

The XK140 was powered by the Jaguar XK 3.4 liter inline-6 ​​twin-axle camshaft engine, with modifications to the XK120's special equipment, which increased the specified power by 10 bhp to 190 bh (142 kW) gross at 5500 rpm as standard. The type C cylinder head, transported from the XK120 catalog and producing 210 bhp (157 kW) gross at 5750 rpm, was optional equipment.

When equipped with the C-type head, 2-inch H8 carburetors, heavier torsion bars and two exhaust pipes, the car was designated XK140 SE in the UK and XK140 MC in North America.

In 1956, the XK140 became the first Jaguar sports car to be offered with automatic transmission. As with the XK120, wire wheels and dual exhaust were options, with most XK140s imported into the United States with optional wheels. Cars with standard disc wheels had spurs (defensive skirts) over the rear wheel opening. Factory specifications 6.00 × 16 inch crossply tires or optional 185VR16 Pirelli Cinturato CA67 radials can be installed on 16 × 5K½ solid wheels or 16 × 5K wire wheels (special equipment). [2]

The Roadster (called OTS - Open Two Seater - in the United States) had a light canvas top that hid behind the seats. The interior was cut in leather and artificial leather, including the panel. Like the XK120 Roadster, the XK140 version had removable plastic and canvas side curtains on light alloy barchetta doors and a tonneau cover. The door tops and the exhaust panel have been cut in two inches (50 mm) compared to the XK120, to allow a more modern [necessary clarification] positioning of the steering wheel. The angle of the front face of the doors (A-Post) was changed from 45 degrees to 90 degrees, for easy access. The windshield remained removable.

The Drophead Coupé (DHC) had a more bulky lined canvas top that lowered into the body behind the seats, a fixed windshield integral with the body, rope side windows and a small rear seat. It also had a walnut panel and door covers.

The Fixed Head Coupé (FHC) shared the DHC's interior and rear seat. The Fixed Head Coupe prototype maintained the roof profile of the XK120 fixed head, with the wings and front doors equal to those of Drophead. The production cars had an elongated roof, the windshield was placed further forward, the front wings were shorter and the doors were longer, resulting in easier entry and more interior and legroom.