The 1956 Jaguar XK140 SE Ghia represents a breathtaking intersection of British engineering and Italian artistic flair, standing as one of the rarest derivatives of the XK series ever produced. While the standard XK140 is a celebrated classic, this specific example is one of only ten known chassis supplied by Jaguar to independent coachbuilders. Wrapped in hand-crafted aluminum bodywork by Carrozzeria Ghia, it is one of no more than four such examples in existence. Its provenance is equally distinguished, having once been owned by Hollywood icon Ricardo Montalbán and previously held in the prestigious Blackhawk Collection. This vehicle is more than a car; it is a rolling piece of mid-century industrial art that challenges the styling of contemporary rivals from Aston Martin and Maserati.
Hand-Crafted Aluminum Silhouette and Ghia Artistry
The exterior of this 1956 Jaguar XK140 SE Ghia is finished in a vibrant red, accentuating the bespoke aluminum lines hand-fashioned by the artisans at Ghia. Unlike the factory Jaguar bodies, this coachbuilt silhouette features a unique hood air intake and distinct Italian proportions that give it a more exotic, streamlined appearance. The front end is highlighted by Marchal headlamps and a specialized grille treatment that deviates significantly from the standard XK140 production models. Period-correct Jaguar wire-spoke wheels and bright trim complete the visual package, reflecting the refined tastes of its original owner, R.W. Martin of La Jolla. Every curve of the aluminum skin serves as a testament to the era of bespoke automotive tailoring.
Tan Leather Luxury and Smiths Instrumentation
Inside the cabin, the 1956 Jaguar XK140 SE Ghia is trimmed in rich tan leather, providing a warm and sophisticated contrast to the bold red exterior. The dashboard retains the classic British charm of Smiths instrumentation, set within a cockpit that feels considerably more exclusive than a standard production Jaguar. Because this was a custom coachbuilt project, the interior layout and materials were designed to meet the highest standards of luxury for the 1950s elite. The leather-trimmed surfaces and vintage switchgear have been meticulously maintained, reflecting the car’s history in world-class collections. It offers a period-correct sensory experience that transports the driver directly to the golden age of Mediterranean grand touring.
Matching-Numbers DOHC Inline-Six Performance
Performance is anchored by the legendary matching-numbers 3442cc DOHC inline-six engine, a powerplant that solidified Jaguar’s reputation on the racetracks of Europe. Fed by twin SU carburetors, this 3.4-liter engine provides the smooth, broad powerband that made the XK series a favorite among gentleman racers. This mechanical heart produces approximately 190 hp/193 PS and 210 lb-ft/285 Nm of torque in a single, authoritative sentence, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox for maximum driver engagement. The combination of a lightweight aluminum Ghia body and the proven SE-spec mechanicals results in a power-to-weight ratio that remains impressive for a 1950s grand tourer, offering a spirited and mechanical feel on the open road.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3442cc DOHC Inline-6 (Matching Numbers) |
| Induction | Twin SU Carburetors |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| Coachwork | Aluminum by Carrozzeria Ghia |
| Production | 1 of No More Than 4 Aluminum Examples |
| Wheels | Jaguar Wire-Spoke Wheels |
Coachbuilt Exclusivity and Hollywood Provenance
In the current collector market, the 1956 Jaguar XK140 SE Ghia is a blue-chip asset that transcends the standard Jaguar categories. While a factory XK140 is a staple of many collections, a Ghia-bodied example with aluminum coachwork is a legitimate entry into the world of elite concours events like Pebble Beach or Villa d’Este. The ownership history involving Ricardo Montalbán adds a layer of “star power” that typically increases desirability among high-net-worth investors. Compared to standard steel-bodied Jaguars, this aluminum rarity represents a significant leap in investment potential, as it competes for space in the same tier as bespoke Ferraris and Alfa Romeos of the same vintage.
A Rare Intersection of Art and Engineering for Indy
This 1956 Jaguar XK140 SE Ghia is a crowning achievement of the post-war automotive era, set to be a star attraction at the Indy 2026 auction on Saturday, May 16th. Offered with a Jaguar Heritage Trust Production Record Trace Certificate, its authenticity and matching-numbers status are fully documented. It represents a vanishingly rare opportunity to acquire a vehicle that blends Jaguar’s competition-bred mechanicals with the pinnacle of Italian design. For the serious collector, this Ghia-bodied Jaguar is not just a purchase, but the acquisition of an enduring legacy that will continue to be celebrated as one of the most beautiful and rare Jaguars ever built.
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Source: mecum.com
