During the restoration process I found several times parts which looks different from what is described in the literature. (see Jaguar Books)
So far I found the following differences:
Doors
Most of the jaguar XK140 have doors that are made from aluminium steel and wood. The cars who are made in the last two production years can also be equipped with full steel doors. One of the most striking differences is the absence of the diagonal pull rod.
Wheel Spats
The spats which where mounted on my car have some extra horizontal reinforcement strip. Until today I have never found any pictures of this type of wheel spats.
Front seats
Normally the XK140 seat frames are made from a L shaped profile which is used for the outside floor frame. The backrest hinge is connected to this L shaped profile. The backrest is connected to the hinge via a steel plate.
Raised seat frame on a 1956 XK140 FHC
My car has a raised edge on the backside of the floor frame. also the backrest hinge has been moved to the raised part (see photo). The backrest is connected to the hinge via metal tubes.
The construction looks identical to the one used on XK150 models with one exception they are smaller. Inside the XK150 was, due to thinner doors, more room for seats inside the interior.