Jaguar XK
The Jaguar XK car series spans the XK120, XK140 and the XK150. It was the first sports car to be produced by Jaguar since its SS100 model, and production began with the Jaguar XK120 model in 1948. It enjoyed considerable racing success, and was at one point the fastest car in the world. The car evolved significantly through the series, with the XK150 having significantly different features to the earlier XK’s, but still featuring classic Jaguar design. The XK car series remains a popular choice among classic Jaguar enthusiasts, with all three models being highly prized.
Jaguar XK120
The first of the XK series, the Jaguar XK120 was produced from 1948 to 1959. It was called the ‘120’ in reference to its top speed of 120mph, which was the top speed in the world at the time. The XK120 brought Jaguar a lot of racing success, including such accolades as winning the first NASCAR road race, completing the Alpine Rally without a single penalty point, and Jaguar XK’s taking both first and second places in the Pebble Beach Cup.
Jaguar XK140
Made between 1954 and 1957, the Jaguar XK140 took over from the XK120. Jaguar had upgraded several features, including increasing the space inside, improving the brakes and upgrading the suspension. Another difference was that the Jaguar badge was incorporated into the grille surround, and the boot lid featured an emblem which referenced the XK140’s success in the words ‘Winner Le Mans 1951-3’. This XK was available with automatic rather than manual transmission, and was the first Jaguar sports car to do so. It achieved a top speed of 124mph in July 1957.
Jaguar XK150
The XK140 was replaced by the Jaguar XK150, which was produced between 1957 and 1961. The XK150 was significantly changed from the previous cars in the XK series. The windscreen was changed to one-piece rather than split screen, the bonnet was widened and lengthened and the interior changed from walnut to leather. The XK150 was initially slower than the other XK’s, but this was remedied in 1958. The last Jaguar XK’s were manufactured in 1961.