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

Jaguar XK 120, 140 & 150 (1948-1961) - Essential Buyer's Guide

Looking for a good Jaguar XK? This Essential Buyer's Guide, written by a brand expert, offers practical advice for buying a Jaguar XK 120, XK 140, and XK 150.

Model years: 1948-1961.

Does not cover: Specials, C-type and D-type racing models or the XKSS.

This Essential Buyer's Guide for the Jaguar XK helps you find the right car at the right price and answers the following questions:
- Walk away or keep it? First evaluation of a Jaguar XK.
- What is the right price? Valuation with a unique scoring system.
- How to check authenticity?
- Which models are most suitable?
- What are known issues?
- What are the restoration options and impacts?
- What are the maintenance costs?

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Jaguar XK 120, XK 140, XK 150 1948-1960 - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the Jaguar XK 120 / 140 / 150 models from the years 1948-1960. Describes the Jaguar XK120, Coupé, C-Type, Fitch-Jaguar, XK120M, D-Type, XK140, Coupé, XK140MC, XKSS, XK150, Coupé, XK150S, Lister Jaguar, XK150S 3.8 and Le Mans.

• The 68 articles, taken from contemporary British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

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More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books

Jaguar XK 120 in Detail

The Jaguar XK120, introduced at the 1948 Motor Show, remains a classic automotive icon. Despite being built in just a few weeks, it impressed both the press and the public with its elegant design and outstanding performance. Its 3.4-liter twin-cam engine allowed it to reach 120 mph, making it one of the fastest cars of its time.

Anders Ditlev Clausager, Chief Archivist of the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, provides a detailed history of the XK120 in this book. Using factory records and archives, he offers valuable historical and statistical insights. He covers the car's development, the evolution of the XK engine, and the model's debut.
The book also examines the introduction of coupe and convertible versions, production changes, worldwide sales, and the XK120's role in motorsports, including Le Mans.

Additional topics include special-bodied versions, ownership experiences, and technical details such as early alloy-bodied models and original color options. With over 100 color illustrations and 300 black-and-white photos, including famous examples like NUB120 and Stirling Moss's Monthléry record car, this book is an essential resource for XK120 enthusiasts and owners.

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Jaguar XK140 / 150 in Detail

Jaguar's XK series sports cars featured the innovative twin overhead camshaft engine first seen in the 1948 XK120, which quickly captured the motoring world's attention.

In 1954, the XK120 was replaced by the more refined XK140, offering increased power, optional overdrive, a larger cockpit, and a top speed of 130mph, up from the XK120's 120mph. Available as a two-seat roadster, a drophead coupé, and a fixed-head coupé, the XK140 marked the growth of the XK series.

The XK140 was succeeded by the XK150 in 1957, the final model before the E-Type. With disc brakes on all wheels, engines up to 265bhp, and a new body design, the XK150 was a powerful, glamorous sports car.

This book begins by detailing the introduction of the XK140, a crucial model after the success of the XK120. It includes a full technical breakdown of the car, covering its chassis, engine, transmission, and body types. The evolution of both the XK140 and XK150 is examined, along with production and sales data.
The author also discusses prototypes, special cars, notable owners, and offers guidance on identification and colour schemes. Over 140 colour photographs and 250 archive images provide a visual history.

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Jaguar XK120 - The story of 660725

Jaguar XK 120 chassis 660725 was originally ordered by Singaporean businessman and amateur racer Chan Lye Choon. However, it soon passed to Bob Henderson, a young Scotsman working as a rubber trader in Malaya, who kept the car for over 60 years.

During its time in the Far East, the XK was shot at during the Malayan Emergency, raced in both official and unofficial events, and later moved with Henderson to Indonesia. It then returned to Scotland, where it was used for towing de Havilland Mosquito aircraft and even raced against them, before heading to Canada, where it excelled in ice racing and rallying.

After decades in storage, 660725 was restored in the early 21st century. Henderson later modified it with a disc brake conversion and, remarkably, a turbocharger - enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 mph in just 13.8 seconds.

Written by Simon Ham with contributions from Henderson, this book details the car's unique history, including its recent recommissioning.

Contents:
- The car's time in Kuala Lumpur and racing history in the Far East
- Ice racing success in Canada and victory in the Canadian International Winter Rally
- Restoration in Scotland after 30 years of storage
- Turbocharger installation on the classic six-cylinder engine
- Henderson's mid-engined Argyll GT project
- Rare period photos from Henderson's collection and studio photography

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Jaguar XK120 : The Remarkable History of JWK 651 (Exceptional Cars)

This book narrates the story of one of the six alloy-bodied XK 120s prepared by Jaguar in 1950 for racing and rallying. Known as JWK 651 due to its registration number, it was owned by Leslie Johnson and raced in prestigious events such as the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Mille Miglia (twice), and the Tourist Trophy at Dundrod.

Johnson and Stirling Moss also attempted record-breaking runs at Montlhéry and participated in the RAC Rally. The book covers the car's diverse and distinguished competition career and its later life. It includes numerous period photographs and a portfolio of studio images.

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Jaguar XK120 Supersonic by Ghia

This book, the first in Porter Press's "Coachbuilt Cars" series, explores the story of the Ghia Jaguar XK 120 Supersonic. Author Richard Heseltine unravels the car's complex history, showcasing the fusion of British engineering and Italian styling.

Built on Jaguar XK 120 chassis 679768, this Supersonic was one of three produced in 1954. However, these were just part of Ghia's broader Supersonic series, which began with a one-off GT designed for the Mille Miglia. This book examines how Ghia's futuristic jet-age design captivated the automotive world, highlighting key figures in post-war Italian car design, engineering, and racing.

Contents:
- The history of Carrozzeria Ghia, its European expansion, and its success in the U.S. market through Chrysler collaborations and the Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
- The origins of the Supersonic design, initially an Alfa Romeo-powered GT, later adapted for Aston Martin, Fiat, AC/Shelby, and others.
- Insights into key figures: Giovanni Savonuzzi, creator of the Supersonic; Virgilio Conrero, who brought it to life as a race car; and Ghia's Luigi Segre, who introduced it to North America.
- A comparison of Italian-bodied Jaguar XK models.
- The history of chassis 679768, including its first owner, long periods of obscurity, and its current role as a prized collector's item.
- Rare period images and striking contemporary photography.

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Jaguar XK, la compétition sur route dans les années 1950

In the 1950s and 1960s, Jaguar XK actively participated in major road races, including the Alpine Rally, the Tour de France, Liège-Rome-Liège, Monte Carlo, and the Mille Miglia. They were also involved in many other races and record attempts in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, and Switzerland.

This illustrated book features stunning photographs and rare documents on the Jaguar XK 120, 140, and 150, as well as the C- and D-Type in competition.
With 240 pages, this book provides an insight into the world of passionate amateur drivers and the unique atmosphere of 1950s rallying.

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