Following the success of the Jaguar XK120 introduced in 1948, the uprated XK140 was made available 6 years later, using the same William Heynes designed, 3.4 litre XK double overhead camshaft straight 6 engine, but with the Special Equipment modifications from the XK120 as standard, raising claimed power to 190 bhp at 5500 rpm (up by 10 bhp on the earlier model).

Visually, the XK140 looked very similar to the superseded model, but the cockpit was enlarged to make it more comfortable and provide more legroom – without any change to the wheelbase. Other improvements were made to suspension and steering. Externally, the changes were limited, most obviously a little more chrome trim, a revised grille, separate flashing indicators at the front and larger bumpers front and rear, fitted with overriders.

The XK140SE (Special Equipment) was available with an optional C-type cylinder head, larger carburettors and twin exhaust pipes, providing a healthy boost in claimed power to 210 bhp at 5750 rpm. Roadtests of the time successfully bettered 120mph in top speed and achieved standing 1/4 mile times of a little under 17 seconds.

Production of the XK140 ended in early 1957 by which time, 8937 had been built. Contributing to this total, 2790 were DHC models, with the majority being left hand drive, export cars.

This particular XK140 SE – a LHD export model – was built in 1955 and was shipped to Los Angeles, USA, where it was sold through the Hornburg dealership. Production records show it was Pastel Green with a green interior. We know very little of its early history in the USA. Having been repatriated in 1998, it was offered for sale through Retro Classics, London, showing 93,500 miles and in Old English White with Biscuit trim and Fawn hood. It was re-registered in the UK (with an age-related number – WSJ 731) in December of that year.

In January 2008, the Jaguar was for sale through Bristol Classic & Sports Cars and, at this point, we know it had been converted to right hand drive; had a 5-speed gearbox fitted and the trim changed for a deep red colour. Following a further short period of UK ownership, the XK140 was purchased by a Jersey based enthusiast in 2011, imported and re-registered in the island in March 2012 with 5,300 miles showing. It has subsequently led a well-cared for life, gently adding to the recorded mileage.