The Jaguar XK140 (1954–1957) is a legendary British sports car. Featuring a 3.4L inline-six engine, it produced 190 hp (standard) or 210 hp (SE/MC models with the C-Type head). It utilized a 4-speed manual gearbox, Lockheed drum brakes, and was available as an Open Two-Seater (Roadster), Drophead Coupé, or Fixed Head Coupé.
Dave Olson’s example raced in the early 1970s in the U.S. Northeast with disc brakes, mag wheels and painted white. The car was found in a shop in New Jersey in the 1990’s. It was purchased by the next owner, Ian Jenkins. Ian had Donovan Motorsports of Lenox, Massachusetts, restore the car to correct 1950’s period racing specifications, including the reinstallation of drum brakes and wire wheels, and all safety upgrades. The car was then raced in the vintage races in the Northeast with SVRA from the mid-1990’s through the mid-2000’s. I raced with Ian and the Donovan group at that time so I knew Ian and the car personally. Thereafter Ian passed away and the Jaguar was left in his trailer for some 15-20 years. I showed photos of the car to Rob Manson at Lime Rock in 2025, and we thought it would be great to rescue the car and run it in the 2026 Del Monte Trophy Group at this year’s Reunion. So I purchased the car and brought it to California. Now, with generous help from Brian Donovan, we will have the freshly rebuilt original 3.4 liter engine installed shortly and will be ready to go.
The car was lost for 15 years until Olson restored it to 1955 and race spec.
Number 38 in our daily series on the 40 cars from the 1950s racing at the Rolex Monterey Motorsport Reunion 12-15 August 2026 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.