This book tells the story of one of the six alloy-bodied XK 120s that were prepared by Jaguar in 1950 for racing and rallying. This one, known as JWK 651 because of the registration number, was owned by Leslie Johnson and raced by him in some of the most prestigious events of the time, including the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Mille Miglia (twice) and the Tourist Trophy at Dundrod. Beyond that, Johnson and up-and-coming racing driver Stirling Moss visited the speed bowl at Montlhery for a record-breaking attempt, and Johnson also took part in the RAC Rally. In 1950, the car lay in second place in the Le Mans 24 Hours after 15 hours and was gaining on the leaders when the clutch failed. Besides this diverse and distinguished period competition career, the book tells the story of the later life of this most significant XK 120. The book includes a wealth of period photographs as well as a portfolio of magnificent studio images

Packed full of material to fascinate and inform Jaguar XK owners, restorers and enthusiasts, this is the new, third edition of this perennial best-seller with new information and photographs. The guide to 100% originality, this edition includes over 50 cars specially photographed; bodywork, interior and mechanical details; and barn-find cars as they were discovered.

The 6-cylinder XK engine was fitted to Jaguars for nearly 30 years, from the mid 1950s to the mid 80s. It still ranks as one of the most famous British engines having been used in a number of specials and kit cars. Here Pollard follows the XK from its initial conception and production to its final use in the mid-1980s. Pollard provides photos of the engines and the cars they powered, and offers identifying specs and production changes. Step-by-step illustrations show how to restore and rebuild an XK engine to its original specs.

Jaguar Century is a lavishly illustrated large-format retrospective examining 100 years of Jaguar, one of the most acclaimed marques in automotive history.

Focusing on the Jaguar XK 120, 140 and 150 model ranges, respected Jaguar historian Nigel Thorley tells the story of this important range of cars. Includes studio photography.

Jaguar’s series of XK sports cars used the remarkable twin overhead camshaft engine that was first exposed to the public in 1948 in the new XK120 two-seater, which took the motoring world by storm. For 1954 the XK120 was replaced by the mildly restyled XK140 model, with an increase in power, optional overdrive and a roomier cockpit. It was replaced in 1957 by the XK150. With disc brakes on all wheels, the option of engines up to 265bhp and a completely new body, the XK150 was an extremely competent performance car with more than a touch of glamour. This book opens with an exposition of the background to the introduction of the XK140, a key model because the XK120 was such a hard act to follow. Then comes a full technical analysis of the new car, covering all aspects of the chassis, running gear, engine and transmission. This sets the scene for the coverage of the XK150. Major production changes during the evolution of the two models are recorded, and production and sales worldwide are analyzed in depth. The author also provides information on prototypes and special-bodied cars.

This is the eighth title in the now well-established In Detail series. Its subject, the Jaguar XK120, has become one of the immortals of sports car history and remains one of the most beautiful cars ever built. It took the London Motor Show by storm in 1948, and was built until 1954. Combining extraordinary docility with a startling 120mph top speed, it was the car to be in, whether for cruising California boulevards or racing at Le Mans. The book is published in association with the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust and written by the Trust's Archivist. Drawing from company records and archives, he has been able to provide information on the XK120 that has never been available to enthusiasts before. This, and its focus on the XK120 alone rather than on the whole XK family, make this book uniquely informative.