Jaguar XK 120, XK 140 and XK 150: books - history (1/2)

Jaguar XK : A Celebration of Jaguar's 1950s Classic

This book, part of the Great Cars Series, focuses on the Jaguar XK 120, 140, and 150 models. The XK120 was pivotal in establishing Jaguar as a globally recognized brand, combining striking design, top-tier performance, and innovative engineering. The following XK140 and XK150 models continued to solidify Jaguar's reputation as a leading sports car manufacturer.

Using both archive images and captivating studio photography, renowned Jaguar historian Nigel Thorley shares the history of these iconic cars.

Information

Author:	Nigel Thorley
Details:	152 pages, 26 x 26 x 2.2 cm / 10.25 x 10.25 x 0.87 in, hardback
Illustrations:	numerous b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2018)
Series:	Veloce Classic Reprint
ISBN:	9781787113022

Jaguar XKs - A Collector's Guide

This book covers the history and significance of the Jaguar XK series, which includes open tourers, convertibles, and coupes. Over 30.000 units were produced across three series from 1948 to 1960. The majority of surviving models have become sought-after classics by enthusiasts who value their place in Jaguar's performance-car legacy.

The XK120, introduced after World War II, brought Jaguar global recognition and marked the company's rise to success. The author, a leading Jaguar expert, provides a detailed look at the design, development, and production of each model, as well as their racing histories. The book also includes valuable advice on purchasing, ownership, and spare parts sourcing.

Chapters:
- Ancestors and Parentage
- The XK120
- The XK140
- The XK150
- XKs in Competition
- Buying a Jaguar XK
- Spares and Maintenance

Appendices:
- Technical Specifications
- Chassis Numbers, Engine Numbers, and Model Identification
- Engine Changes by Model, Date, and Number
- XK Colour Finishes
- XK Production Figures
- Performance Figures

Information

Author:	Paul Skilleter
Details:	128 pages, 18 x 23.5 x 1 cm / 7.1 x 9.25 x 0.39 in, paperback
Illustrations:	140 b&w photos
Publisher:	Motor Racing Publications Ltd (GB, 2001)
ISBN:	9781899870578

Original Jaguar XK - The Restorer's Guide

This comprehensive guide features over 50 specially photographed Jaguar XKs, including eight rare alloy-bodied XK120s, making it an essential resource for owners, restorers, and enthusiasts.

"Original Jaguar XK" is the only book that provides detailed written and photographic documentation of the XK120, XK140, and XK150 models. It covers model variations, color options, and extensive technical data, with a strong focus on originality. The book examines rare and unrestored low-mileage cars, bodywork, interiors, and mechanical details, as well as tools and literature, with expert contributions from Roger Payne.

Additionally, it includes insights from leading XK specialists, features barn-find discoveries in their original state, and incorporates data from XK historian David Bentley on surviving examples.

Now in its third edition, this book has become the definitive reference on the Jaguar XK, following five reprints. Richly illustrated, it spans the history of the XK range, from the earliest alloy-bodied 120s to the final 3.8-liter XK150 'S' models. A must-have for anyone seeking an in-depth understanding of these iconic sports cars.

Information

Author:	Philip Porter
Details:	400 pages, 28 x 23 x 3.2 cm / 11 x 9.1 x 1.26 in, hardback
Illustrations:	1000+ b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Porter Press International (GB, 2022)
ISBN:	9781913089597

Classic Jaguar XK - The 6-Cylinder Cars 1948-1970

The definitive Jaguar XK models are the 6-cylinder sports cars produced from the late 1940s to the mid-1970s, spanning from the XK 120 to the E-Type. These cars played a key role in shaping Jaguar's sporty image, reputation for defeating competitors, and its commercial success, particularly in the United States. The 6-cylinder XKs are central to Jaguar's legacy and identity as a sports car maker.

This book tells the complete story of the entire 6-cylinder XK generation, covering the people, events, and circumstances that made these cars legendary. It shows how the XK series helped establish Jaguar's reputation and ensured that the term "XK" would forever symbolize "sports car" in Jaguar's history.

Information

Author:	Brian Laban
Details:	208 pages, 26 x 21.5 x 1.9 cm / 10.25 x 8.5 x 0.75 in, hardback
Illustrations:	270 colour photos
Publisher:	The Crowood Press Ltd (GB, 2016)
ISBN:	9781785001932

The Jaguar XKs - The 1950s Pacesetters from Coventry

The Jaguar XK120 made a big impact at the 1948 London Motor Show with its striking design and impressive performance from the advanced XK engine. Originally planned as a limited-production model, overwhelming demand led Jaguar to increase production, making it one of the most accessible high-performance cars of its time.

In this engaging and well-researched book, historian John Nikas explores the development of the entire XK series, including the Le Mans-winning race cars and the legendary XK SS. Jaguar continued to refine its sports cars, introducing the XK140 in 1954 with more space, better handling, and improved performance, further strengthening its reputation.
Despite a major fire at Brown's Lane in 1957, Jaguar quickly responded with a new model featuring advanced all-round disc brakes from Dunlop, enhancing both speed and safety.

This book tells the story of these remarkable models, featuring rare historical images and stunning color photography by Marc Vorgers.

Information

Author:	John Nikas, Marc Vorgers
Details:	96 pages, 23.5 x 16.5 x 1 cm / 9.25 x 6.5 x 0.39 in, paperback
Illustrations:	100 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Amberley Publishing (GB, 2017)
ISBN:	9781445673462

Jaguar XK120, XK140, XK150 Sports Cars

This Iconografix photo book covers the Jaguar XK120, XK140, and XK150 sports cars from 1948-1961, featuring a beautiful collection of 121 high-quality, large-format archive photos. It includes detailed captions and a brief history overview.
With its authentic historical images, this book from the "Ludvigsen Library" is a rich source of information about the Jaguar XK.

Information

Author:	Karl Ludvigsen
Details:	128 pages, 21.5 x 26 x 1.3 cm / 8.5 x 10.25 x 0.51 in, paperback
Illustrations:	121 b&w photos
Publisher:	Iconografix (USA, 2005)
ISBN:	9781583881507

Das Original: Jaguar XK - Coupé, Cabriolet, Roadster

This reference book is an essential guide for Jaguar XK owners and restorers. It showcases top-quality examples of all nine XK models - Coupé, Convertible, and Roadster - through detailed descriptions and images.

With over 150 high-quality color photographs, the book provides impressive close-ups of the bodywork, interior, and mechanics. The meticulously researched text is complemented by numerous tables.
All images were carefully selected by a panel of renowned XK experts.

Information

Author:	Philip Porter, Tim Andrew
Details:	96 pages, 30 x 23 cm / 11.8 x 9.1 in, hardback
Illustrations:	150 colour photos
Publisher:	Heel-Verlag GmbH (D, 2016)
ISBN:	9783958433083