Jaguar XK140 XK150 Sports Cars & In Detail 2 Book Set

Introduction by Karl Ludvigsen. No sports-car introduction in history has had the impact of Jaguar's XK120 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 3.5-liter in-line six developing 160 horsepower. Its twin-cam hemispherical-chamber head was a dramatic advance for British production cars.

Exotic cars all, the XK-series of sports Jaguars are among the world's most glamorous.

Rare photos from the Ludvigsen Library 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.

Jaguar's series of XK sports cars used the remarkable twin overhead camshaft engine that was first exposed to the public in 1948 in the new XK120 two-seater, which took the motoring world by storm. For 1954 the XK120 was replaced by the mildly restyled XK140 model, with an increase in power, optional overdrive and a roomier cockpit. It was replaced in 1957 by the XK150. 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.

This 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.

Major 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.

Book 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.