1955 Jaguar XK140 Roadster at $50,000 With 1 Day Left on BAT, SE Specification
A 1955 Jaguar XK140 roadster is bidding on Bring a Trailer right now at $50,000 with just one day left on the clock. This particular open two-seater benefits from a comprehensive older restoration, a numbers-matching engine block, and desirable factory Special Equipment configuration. As British sports cars from the golden era continue to draw passionate collector interest, an investment-grade XK140 like this deserves a close look.
About This Jaguar XK140
This 1955 Jaguar XK140 Special Equipment roadster benefits from an extensive older restoration completed between 1978 and 1989. Despite the decades since its initial refresh, the car has been exceptionally well preserved under long-term care and dealer consignment by a BaT Local Partner. The exterior is finished in vibrant red, accented by a replaced tan convertible top, split windshield, full-width chrome bumpers with overriders, and classic Lucas fog lights. Polished 16-inch wire wheels with two-eared knock-off spinners complete the iconic British silhouette.
Inside, the cabin features adjustable bucket seats that were reupholstered from red to tan leather during the restoration period, perfectly complementing the exterior. The dashboard houses classic Smiths instrumentation, including a reverse-sweep tachometer and a 140-mph speedometer. While the odometer shows just 628 miles, total mileage is unknown. The vehicle comes with a Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, Jaguar Vehicle Information Record, JCNA judging sheets from 1991 and 2021, historical photographs, and a tool roll.
What Makes It Special
The Jaguar XK140 arrived in 1954 as the successor to the revolutionary XK120, bringing crucial engineering improvements and refined passenger comfort. It featured a roomier cabin, better brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, and increased suspension travel courtesy of modern telescoping shock absorbers. These changes turned the raw sports car into a highly capable grand tourer.
This example features the Special Equipment package, denoted by its SE designation. At its heart is the legendary 3.4-liter dual-overhead-cam inline-six engine, factory rated at 190 horsepower thanks to dual SU carburetors. The engine block stamping, G1689-8, matches the Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate perfectly. The history of this car includes a fascinating factory production quirk: the frame is stamped with an S prefix, which typically designated the ultra-rare C-Type cylinder head option, while the actual build was completed to SE specification with an A prefix due to factory component supply limits of the era.
Where the Market Stands
The market for early Jaguar XK models remains a cornerstone of the classic car community. Well-documented roadsters with verified production certificates and matching-number mechanicals consistently command premium pricing over modified or poorly documented examples. While the overall market for mid-century European sports cars has stabilized compared to peak years, pristine XK140 variants hold their ground well.
Recent market data shows a healthy range for comparable classic British roadsters. High-quality drivers with older restorations routinely trade hands between $65,000 and $85,000. Exceptional concours-level examples featuring recent restorations or rare performance parts can climb past the six-figure mark. This listing is positioned to attract serious collectors who appreciate a vehicle with documented Jaguar Clubs of North America judging history and verified factory records.
My Take
I expect the final hammer price to land between $72,000 and $78,000. This roadster represents an honest, beautifully preserved older restoration that comes with all the right paperwork to satisfy a discerning archivist. The minor factory stamping anomalies on the frame add a wonderful layer of authentic production storytelling that classic Jaguar enthusiasts love to debate and showcase at regional concours events.
Quick Specs
- 1955 Jaguar XK140 SE Roadster
- Engine: 3.4-liter DOHC inline-six
- Transmission: 4-speed manual
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
- Mileage: 628 miles shown; total unknown
- Exterior color: Red
- Interior color and material: Tan leather
- VIN: 916898
- Notable factory options: Special Equipment package, Lucas fog lights, wire wheels
- Notable modifications: Aftermarket alloy radiator
View the listing here: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1955-jaguar-xk140-25/
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This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 4:00 AM.