The Jaguar XK140 DHC, successor to the XK120, was introduced in 1954 and sold from 1955 to 1957. Whereas the focus of the XK120’s construction was mainly on speed, the XK140 was built for ride comfort and convenience with, among other things, more modern shock absorbers. As the engine in the XK140 was placed some 10 centimetres further forward, legroom was increased and the car became suitable for taller people.

With the transition from the XK120 to the XK140, the characteristic lines were retained. Jaguar built the XK140 as a roadster (OTS, Open Two-Seater where the soft-top folds away behind the seats and the windscreen can be removed), convertible (DHC, Drop Head Coupe where the soft-top remains visible when folded down) and coupé (FHC, Fixed Head Coupe).