Classic Jaguar Xk

A welcome addition to the Great Cars Series, this volume focuses on the Jaguar XK 120, 140 and 150 model ranges. The XK120 established Jaguar as a world-renowned marque, providing a remarkable combination of style, world-beating performance and innovative engineering, and the subsequent XK-40 and XK150 maintained Jaguar’s position as a leading sports car manufacturer. With the aid of archive images and stunning studio photography, respected Jaguar historian Nigel Thorley tells the story of these classic cars.

There have been other generations of Jaguar XK since, but the definitive incarnation is the family of 6-cylinder sports cars that stretches from the late 1940s to the mid-1970s, from XK120 to the E-Type. On road, on track and on rally stage, they built the foundations of Jaguar's sporty image and giant-killing reputation, not to mention its commercial roots - especially in America. By any definition, the 6-cylinder XKs are at the heart of everything that Jaguar grew into. This is the complete story of the whole 6-cylinder XK generation, the circumstances, the people and the events that created it and made it a sports car legend - and guaranteed that forever after, in Jaguar's vocabulary, XK would always mean 'sports car'. This book will be of great interest to all motoring historians and Jaguar enthusiasts and is superbly illustrated with 270 colour archive photographs.

There have been other generations of Jaguar XK since, but the definitive incarnation is the family of 6-cylinder sports cars that stretch from the late 1940s to the mid-1970s, from XK120 to the E-Type. On road, on track and on rally stage, they built the foundations of Jaguar’s sporty image and giant-killing reputation, not to mention its commercial roots - especially in America. By any definition, the 6-cylinder XKs are at the heart of everything that Jaguar grew into. This is the complete story of the whole 6-cylinder XK generation, the circumstances, the people and the events that created it and made it a sports car legend – and guaranteed that forever after, in Jaguar’s vocabulary, XK would always mean ‘sports car’.

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.

For anyone with an interest in, or who is thinking of buying, one of the already classic Jaguar XK sports cars from the 1996 to 2005 period, this Essential Buyer’s Guide is a vital requirement. All the models are covered, from the early 4.0-litre models with the infamous Nikasil engines, through to the very last and highly sophisticated 4.2-litre S, with mention of the special editions available in selected markets. All models are looked at in detail, and analysed for their strengths and weaknesses to provide the best possible advice on what to look for and how to buy the best car you can afford. A handy pocket-sized guide, that will always be at your side for constant reference.

Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Get the right car at the right price!

Detailed manufacturing and historical narrative of the classic post-war Jaguar sports car, acclaimed for its price, styling and speed. This comprehensive work covers pre-XK history, development of the revolutionary XK engine, all models from 120 to 150, racing and rallying fortunes, plus advice on owning and running an XK today.

Chronicles the entire production history of the Jaguar XK, providing roadtest reports, worldwide racing statistics, advice on buying and restoring the classic sports car, and anecdotes from XK owners throughout the world