Heritage Segment:
Iconic British sports cars, celebrated for performance, style, and engineering innovation of their era.
Competitors Era:
Ferrari 166, Aston Martin DB2/4, Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, Porsche 356.
Design Language:
Timeless flowing lines, elegant proportions, long bonnet housing the powerful XK engine.
Performance Focus:
Engineered for speed and driving pleasure, setting new benchmarks for automotive performance upon their release.
Manual Benefit:
Essential resource for maintaining and restoring these valuable classic automobiles, ensuring authenticity and optimal performance.
Engine:
3.4L XK Inline-6 (various states of tune), 3.8L XK Inline-6 (XK150 S).
Fuel System:
Carburation (SU H6, Zenith-Stromberg), fuel pumps, fuel lines, tanks.
Ignition System:
Distributor, ignition coils, spark plugs, wiring.
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostats, hoses.
Lubrication System:
Oil pump, oil filter, oil galleries, oil cooler (if fitted).
Transmission:
Moss (pre-selector) Gearbox (early models), Laycock de Normanville Overdrive (optional), Jaguar designed 4-speed manual gearbox (later models), clutch assembly.
Drivetrain:
Propeller shaft, universal joints, rear axle assembly (Salisbury type for some models), half-shafts, differential.
Suspension:
Front: Independent torsion bar, wishbones, anti-roll bar. Rear: Live axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs.
Steering:
Worm and roller steering box, steering column, steering arms, linkages.
Brakes:
Girling hydraulic drum brakes (early), Girling hydraulic disc brakes (front from XK140, all-round from XK150), master cylinder, wheel cylinders/calipers, brake lines, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting (headlamps, tail lamps, indicators), instrumentation, charging system (generator/alternator), starter motor, battery.
Bodywork:
Chassis frame, body panels (aluminium and steel), doors, bonnet, boot lid, convertible top mechanism, interior trim.
Accessories:
Heater, radio (optional fitment), windscreen wipers, mirrors.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, ignition timing, carburettor adjustments, coolant checks.
Engine Overhaul:
Engine disassembly, cylinder head removal and reconditioning, piston and connecting rod replacement, crankshaft inspection and bearing replacement, timing chain and gear replacement, reassembly and tuning.
Transmission Repair:
Gearbox disassembly and reassembly, clutch replacement, overdrive unit servicing.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Shock absorber replacement, bushing replacement, kingpin and ball joint servicing, steering box adjustment and overhaul.
Brake System Servicing:
Brake pad/shoe replacement, disc/drum machining or replacement, hydraulic system bleeding, master cylinder and wheel cylinder/caliper overhaul.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Fault diagnosis for starting, charging, lighting, and instrumentation issues. Wiring harness repair and component testing.
Body And Trim Work:
Panel alignment, door and boot lid adjustment, convertible top repair, interior component removal and installation.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic fault-finding procedures for common issues.
Parts Identification:
Exploded views and part numbers for all major components.
Depth:
Complete factory-level detail, suitable for full rebuilds and in-depth diagnostics. Includes specifications, tolerances, and procedures typically used by dealership technicians.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Specifics for the era often focused on mileage.
Tune Up Interval:
Recommended annually or every 6,000 miles (9,600 km) for ignition timing, carburettor settings, and general engine checks.
Lubrication Points:
Regular greasing of chassis suspension and steering components is critical for longevity. Intervals typically every 1,000-2,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 20W-40. Refer to manual for specific viscosity based on ambient temperature. For engines converted to unleaded fuel, specific additives or oils might be recommended. Originally, straight 30 or 40 weight oils were common.
Gearbox Oil:
EP 90 Gear Oil (GL-4 specification recommended for older transmissions). For Moss gearbox, specific lubrication requirements exist.
Rear Axle Oil:
EP 90 Gear Oil (GL-5 specification for Salisbury axle, check compatibility with original axle if not Salisbury).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Glycol-based brake fluid. Crucially, older systems may be incompatible with modern high-boiling point fluids if seals are degraded. Often, owners opt for silicone-based fluids (DOT 5) with appropriate system flushing and seal compatibility checks.
Coolant:
A mixture of distilled water and antifreeze (ethylene glycol based) providing protection against freezing and corrosion. Typically a 50/50 mix. Modern inhibitors might be used, but historically plain water or basic antifreeze was common.
Engine:
Oil leaks from rear crankshaft seal, valve stem seals, and sump gasket. Overheating can be an issue if cooling system is not maintained. Carburettor tuning can be sensitive.
Transmission:
Moss gearbox can be temperamental. Clutch wear and hydraulic cylinder leaks (master/slave) are common. Overdrive solenoid failure.
Suspension Steering:
Worn bushings, kingpins, and steering box wear leading to vague steering and rattling. Torsion bar springs can sag over time.
Brakes:
Brake fade from drum brakes (on early models), seized calipers or wheel cylinders, fluid leaks, and uneven braking due to wear or system issues.
Bodywork:
Corrosion in steel sections, especially on the chassis frame and lower body panels. Aluminium panels are susceptible to denting and age-related fatigue.
Post War Context:
Jaguar's reputation was built on luxurious saloons and innovative sports cars after World War II.
Xk120 Introduction:
Launched in 1948 at the London Motor Show as a show car, it was so well-received that it went into production. Its 120 mph top speed was groundbreaking.
Xk140 Development:
Introduced in 1954, featuring improvements like rack-and-pinion steering, optional Laycock overdrive, better handling, and more powerful engines.
Xk150 Refinement:
Debuted in 1957, presenting a more modern, flowing body style with a conventional dashboard, disc brakes as standard, and the larger 3.8-liter engine option.
Production Numbers:
Significant production runs for each model, contributing to Jaguar's global presence. Specific numbers vary by body style and year.
Manufacturing Location:
Coventry, England, UK.
