{"product_id":"jaguar-xk120-140-150-sports-cars-xk140-150-in-detail-xk-120-remarkable-jwk-651-3-book-set","title":"Jaguar XK120\/140\/150 Sports Cars, XK140\/150 In Detail \u0026 XK 120 Remarkable JWK 651 3 Book Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eIntroduction by \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Ludvigsen\u003c\/strong\u003e. No sports-car introduction in history has had the impact of \u003cstrong\u003eJaguar's XK120\u003c\/strong\u003e in 1948. Thrust into a dreary post-war world was a stunningly gorgeous roadster, its styling inspired by the best pre-war Italian design, powered by a magnificent \u003cstrong\u003e3.5-liter in-line six\u003c\/strong\u003e developing 160 horsepower. Its twin-cam hemispherical-chamber head was a dramatic advance for British production cars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExotic cars all, the XK-series of sports Jaguars are among the world's most glamorous.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRare photos from the \u003cstrong\u003eLudvigsen Library\u003c\/strong\u003e trace their history on road and track and give an intimate portrait of the sports cars that raised the bar for Jaguar's opposition and cemented the company's reputation for fast, stylish cars that were also remarkably affordable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJaguar's series of \u003cstrong\u003eXK sports cars\u003c\/strong\u003e used the remarkable \u003cstrong\u003etwin overhead camshaft engine\u003c\/strong\u003e that was first exposed to the public in 1948 in the new \u003cstrong\u003eXK120 two-seater\u003c\/strong\u003e, which took the motoring world by storm. For 1954 the XK120 was replaced by the mildly restyled \u003cstrong\u003eXK140\u003c\/strong\u003e model, with an increase in power, optional overdrive and a roomier cockpit. It was replaced in 1957 by the \u003cstrong\u003eXK150\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMajor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBook Description: The book opens with an introduction of the XK140. Then comes a technical analysis of the new car. This sets the scene for the coverage of the XK150. Production changes are recorded, and production and sales are analyzed in depth. Six outstanding examples of XK140s and 150s are featured in specially commissioned color photography, accompanied by some 250 photographs from the archives of the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust and reproductions of XK sales and publicity material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book tells the story of one of the six alloy-bodied \u003cstrong\u003eXK 120s\u003c\/strong\u003e that were prepared by \u003cstrong\u003eJaguar\u003c\/strong\u003e in 1950 for racing and rallying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis one, known as \u003cstrong\u003eJWK 651\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003eLe Mans 24 Hours, the Mille Miglia (twice) and the Tourist Trophy at Dundrod.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond that, Johnson and up-and-coming racing driver \u003cstrong\u003eStirling Moss\u003c\/strong\u003e visited the speed bowl at Montlhery for a record-breaking attempt, and Johnson also took part in the RAC Rally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBesides 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\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Midlife Classic Cars","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51711824396568,"sku":"KITB03066\/B03905\/B05387","price":135.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0057\/9813\/3831\/files\/kitb03066b03905b05387.jpg?v=1772251627","url":"https:\/\/www.midlifeclassiccars.com\/cs\/products\/jaguar-xk120-140-150-sports-cars-xk140-150-in-detail-xk-120-remarkable-jwk-651-3-book-set","provider":"MidlifeClassicCars.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}