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1956 Jaguar XK140 SE Roadster heads to auction after Florida collection stint
A 1956 Jaguar XK140 SE Roadster, refurbished in the early 2010s and later acquired from the Wilson Collection in Florida, is being offered for sale with a Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate and extensive service records.
By George Kensington · 3 min read
A 1956 Jaguar XK140 SE Roadster, refurbished in the early 2010s and later acquired from the Wilson Collection in Florida, is now being offered for sale. The car, finished in red over tan and red leather, is powered by a 3.4-liter inline-six engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission fitted with close-ratio gears. It includes a removable black soft top, removable side curtains, front disc brakes, 16-inch wire wheels, Lucas fog lights, and a Derrington steering wheel.
The Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate confirms the factory colors and serial numbers, with a build date of June 22, 1956. Originally finished in black, the car was repainted red in 2013. The current seller acquired the vehicle in 2023 from the Wilson Collection, a noted Florida-based assemblage of classic automobiles. Since then, the car has undergone a series of mechanical and cosmetic improvements, including the installation of fixed-back bucket seats sourced from John Skinner of the UK, replacement carpets, and soundproofing.
Under the bonnet, the 3.4-liter inline-six features dual SU carburetors, rated at 210 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque from the factory. Recent work has included replacing the water pump, exhaust manifold, ignition coil, spark plugs and wires, oil pressure line, oil breather hose, and a high-output starter installed in 2024. The brake master cylinder was also replaced in 2024, and a new exhaust system was fitted the same year. The car rides on 16-inch wire wheels mounted with Vredestein tires in 2020, with a spare stored under the trunk floor.
Inside, the cabin is trimmed in red and tan leather, with latch-and-link lap belts fitted. The wood-rimmed Derrington steering wheel sits ahead of Smiths instrumentation, including a reverse-sweep 6k-rpm tachometer, a 140-mph speedometer, and an ammeter alongside gauges for oil pressure, water temperature, and fuel level. The speedometer cable was replaced under current ownership, and the five-digit odometer shows 4,000 miles, approximately 1,200 of which were added by the current owner. The seller notes that the mileage is not accurate and total mileage is unknown. The analog clock does not work.
The XK140 SE was a performance-oriented variant of Jaguar’s celebrated XK series, offering more power and improved braking over the earlier XK120. This example features front disc brakes and aluminum rear drums, a combination that was advanced for its era. The car is offered with a Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, the owner’s manual, service records, spare parts, and a South Carolina title in the seller’s name, with the title listing “Exempt” under the brands section.
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