Target Audience:
Owners and mechanics of Jaguar XK120, XK140, and XK150 classic sports cars, aiming to perform maintenance and repairs themselves or understand service procedures.
Manual Value Proposition:
Offers significant cost savings for owners by enabling DIY repairs, providing authoritative technical guidance, and ensuring correct procedures are followed.
Ease Of Use:
Designed for ease of use with step-by-step instructions and photographic or diagrammatic representations of procedures.
Accessibility:
Accessible on multiple devices (PC, Mac, tablets, smartphones), offering flexibility for users in different locations.
Models Covered:
All XK120, XK140, and XK150 models, including all engine variants, trim levels, and transmission types.
Years Covered:
1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961
Estimated Page Count:
Comprehensive, typically hundreds of pages for a complete workshop manual of this era. Specific count not provided but implied to be exhaustive.
Type:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
Language:
English (presumed, standard for official Jaguar manuals of this era)
Format:
Downloadable Digital File (PDF)
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, tuning, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system (including carburettors), ignition system.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (Moss gearboxes, specific variations), clutch, driveshaft, rear axle and differential.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system (front disc, rear drum), parking brake, brake fluid specifications.
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (wishbones, torsion bars), rear leaf spring suspension, shock absorbers, steering.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, ignition system, starting system, charging system (generator), instrumentation, accessory circuits.
Bodywork:
Chassis lubrication, body panel adjustments, door mechanisms, convertible top (if applicable), trim.
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication schedules, tune-ups.
Repair:
Complete disassembly and reassembly procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic guides, common problems and their solutions, fault finding procedures.
Adjustments:
Carburettor tuning, ignition timing adjustments, valve clearance settings, brake adjustments.
Depth:
Comprehensive workshop-level detail, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced enthusiasts. Includes internal component specifications and rebuild procedures.
Xk120 Engine:
3.4L (3442cc) DOHC Inline-6 (Jaguar XK engine)
Xk120 Power Output:
Approx. 160-180 bhp (depending on specific tuning/variant)
Xk120 Torque:
Approx. 193-200 lb-ft (depending on specific tuning/variant)
Xk140 Engine:
3.4L (3442cc) DOHC Inline-6 (Jaguar XK engine), enhanced cylinder head and camshafts
Xk140 Power Output:
Approx. 190-210 bhp (depending on specific tuning/variant, e.g., XK140 MC)
Xk150 Engine:
3.4L (3442cc) DOHC Inline-6 (Jaguar XK engine), later models offered 3.8L (3781cc) variant
Xk150 Power Output (3.4L):
Approx. 210 bhp
Xk150 Power Output (3.8L):
Approx. 250 bhp (XK150 S model)
Carburettors:
Typically twin SU (H6 or HD6) or Zenith carburetors. Manual will cover adjustment and overhaul.
Fuel Type:
Leaded gasoline (e.g., 95 RON or higher, manual will specify octane requirements for original engines)
Type:
4-speed manual transmission, notably the Moss gearbox (pre-synchromesh on first gear in early models).
Type:
Overdrive option available on some models (e.g., Laycock de Normanville).
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios for each model and transmission variant are covered in detail.
Transmission Fluid:
Manual will specify appropriate gear oil (e.g., EP 80 or similar).
Body Styles:
Open Two-Seater, Drophead Coupe, Fixed Head Coupe.
Wheelbase:
XK120: 102 inches (2591 mm), XK140/XK150: 104 inches (2642 mm)
Track Front:
Approx. 50 inches (1270 mm)
Track Rear:
Approx. 52 inches (1321 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2,800 - 3,200 lbs (1270 - 1450 kg) depending on body style and equipment.
Crash Safety:
No formal crash test ratings exist for this era of vehicle. Focus is on mechanical soundness and driver control.
Braking System:
Hydraulically operated, front disc brakes (introduced on XK140), rear drum brakes. Manual covers system operation and maintenance.
Seat Belts:
Not standard equipment; manual may cover aftermarket installation procedures if documented by Jaguar for later periods or accessories.
Oil Change:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months, though manual may recommend more frequent checks for classic vehicles. Details on engine oil and filter replacement.
Grease Points:
Regular lubrication of chassis grease points as per schedule in the manual (e.g., kingpins, steering joints, prop shaft UJ's).
Engine Oil:
Manual will specify viscosity (e.g., SAE 20W-50) and type (likely mineral oil, with specific recommendations regarding zinc content for flat-tappet cams). Original specification may have been SAE 30 or 20W-30.
Coolant:
Water/glycol mixture. Manual will specify capacity and correct type of antifreeze.
Brake Fluid:
Typically DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based fluid. Manual will specify correct type and bleeding procedures.
Engine Wear:
Oil consumption, potential wear in valve guides and bearings. Manual covers inspection and overhaul.
Cooling System:
Overheating due to radiator efficiency or water pump issues. Manual provides diagnostics for the cooling system.
Transmission Syncromesh:
Wear in Moss gearbox synchromesh rings (where applicable), leading to difficult gear changes. Manual details repairs and adjustments.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring, Lucas components can be temperamental. Detailed wiring diagrams are essential and are included.
Legacy:
Jaguar's post-war resurgence, building on motorsport success with the XK engine, establishing the brand's reputation for performance and luxury.
Xk120:
Launched in 1948 as a concept, famed for its 120 mph top speed. Initially hand-built, later mass-produced.
Xk140:
Introduced in 1954 with improved chassis, rack-and-pinion steering, optional Laycock de Normanville overdrive, and standard front disc brakes. Minor styling updates.
Xk150:
Launched in 1957, featuring a significant restyling with a single-sweep windscreen, updated dashboard, and improved performance options, including the larger 3.8-liter engine.
Production Period:
1948 - 1961 (across all XK models)
Production Volume:
Approximately 12,000+ units combined across XK120, XK140, and XK150 variants.
Motorsport Heritage:
The XK engine and its derivatives powered many successful Jaguar race cars, including Le Mans winners. This manual provides the basis for maintaining such vehicles.
Automotive Press Reviews:
Consistently praised for performance, handling, and beautiful design. Often cited as iconic British sports cars.
Classic Status:
Highly regarded classic cars, eligible for numerous historic motoring events and concourse d'elegance.
