Satin Finish Jaguar XK140: Hot or Not?

By John Coyle - October 16, 2021

Satin finishes can be a hot-button topic in the automotive world, especially on an undisputed classic like the XK140.

Unless you’re the kind of purist that demands factory overspray be duplicated during your restoration, there’s lots to love about this lightly modified Jaguar XK140 I recently spotted on Bring a Trailer. The mill is a period-appropriate 3.4-liter inline six-cylinder, but it’s mated to an upgraded five-speed gearbox, plus a limited-slip differential from an XK150. Additionally, the front brake calipers are modern Wilwood units, and it sports stainless steel lines, an electric cooling fan, and high-output starter and alternator.

To me, all of that kit sounds great, even if I do appreciate the “it’s only original once” philosophy popular in the current collector market. Because while these mods might not make this pretty kitty exactly as it was when it left Coventry during the salad days of her majesty Elizabeth II’s reign? They all aid in starting, going, and stopping. So it’s likely to spend more time on the road — and less time being tinkered with — than it would be if it was sporting all original equipment. The big question here is the modern satin paint.

I’ve been in the automotive world long enough to know that matte — or satin — finishes are a hot-button topics up there with oil and tire preferences, or even third-rail subjects like manual vs automatic. Lots of old guard folks think it makes like the car is sporting primer, and in that crowd you’ll hear endless references to clapped-out Camaro projects. On the other hand, lots of folks dig the sinister look it can give a ride. Personally, I like it better when satin finishes are done in colors other than black or gray. Years ago, I remember being thrilled when I got to test an Audi R8 in a lovely matte blue.

For the record, I think it works on this XK140. Nothing about this car makes it look half-assed or throw together, and I think that the chrome factory knock-offs, grille, and headlight surrounds sparkle beautifully against the bodywork. That said, for a Bring a Trailer auction, the photos are uncharacteristically underwhelming. The interior is a beautiful biscuit color, for example. So why aren’t there any shots of this baby with the top down and the tonneau cover off? Seems like it would really pop in pics. But what do you think about this XK140? Hit me up and let me know!

Photos: Bring a Trailer