Market Segment:
Post-War Luxury Sports Car
Key Competitors:
Ferrari 166 Inter, Aston Martin DB2, Alfa Romeo 6C series
Performance Benchmark:
World's fastest production car upon its release, renowned for its straight-six engine and elegant design.
Design Philosophy:
Combination of powerful performance, luxurious touring comfort, and timeless styling.
Value Proposition:
Essential resource for owners and mechanics undertaking maintenance, restoration, or repair of these iconic classic Jaguars.
Engine:
Detailed overhaul, tuning, and troubleshooting for all XK engine variants
Carburetor Fuel System:
SU Carburetor (e.g., H, HD, HV) tuning, rebuild, fuel pump, and tank service
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and coolant specifications
Clutch:
Single dry plate clutch service, adjustment, and replacement
Gearbox:
Moss (pre-synchromesh and full synchromesh) and Laycock de Normanville overdrive gearbox service, repair, and fluid specifications
Propeller Shaft:
U-joint service and balancing
Rear Axle:
Salisbury or Jaguar independent rear suspension (IRS) unit service, bearings, and lubrication
Steering:
Burman & Sons steering box overhaul, linkage adjustment, and lubrication
Front Suspension:
Double wishbone independent front suspension service, kingpins, bushings, and shock absorbers
Rear Suspension:
Jaguar independent rear suspension (IRS) system service for XK140 and XK150 (leaf spring solid axle for XK120)
Brakes:
Girling hydraulic drum brakes service, wheel cylinder rebuild, brake shoe replacement, and fluid specifications
Wheels Tyres:
Wheel bearing service, tire pressure recommendations, and bolt patterns
Body Exhaust System:
Body panel alignment, door, hood, and trunk service, exhaust system maintenance
Heating Windscreen:
Heater matrix service, demisting system, and windscreen wiper mechanism
Electrical:
Lucas electrical system troubleshooting, wiring diagrams, dynamo charging, starter motor, ignition system, and lighting
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, lubrication points, filter replacements, ignition timing checks
Engine Overhaul:
Piston ring replacement, bearing inspection, valve grind, complete engine rebuild procedures
Transmission Repair:
Gearbox disassembly, inspection, and reassembly for both manual and overdrive units
Suspension Steering Work:
Bush replacement, kingpin service, steering box adjustment, alignment checks
Brake System Overhaul:
Drum removal, cylinder relining, fluid flushing, and bleeding procedures
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnosing and repairing common electrical faults using wiring diagrams
Bodywork Restoration:
Panel alignment, hardware adjustment, and basic body repair guidance
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, from basic adjustments to full engine and gearbox rebuilds
Engine Type:
DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder 'XK' Engine
Xk120 Engine Displacement:
3442 cc (3.4 Litre)
Xk120 Engine Horsepower:
160 bhp @ 5000 rpm
Xk120 Engine Torque:
217 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Xk140 Engine Displacement:
3442 cc (3.4 Litre), option for 3.8 Litre on some variants
Xk140 Engine Horsepower:
175-190 bhp (depending on tune and variant)
Xk150 Engine Displacement:
3442 cc (3.4 Litre) or 3781 cc (3.8 Litre)
Xk150 Engine Horsepower:
190 bhp (3.4 Litre) to 250 bhp (3.8 Litre S-Type)
Carburetors:
Typically twin SU H, HD, or HV carburetors
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (historically leaded, compatible with modern fuels with additive)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months; check manual for specifics.
Greasing Points:
Regular lubrication of suspension and steering components is critical (e.g., every 1,000-2,000 miles).
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Recommended every 6,000-10,000 miles, depending on usage.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 20W-50 (modern equivalent) or straight 30W/40 for older engines. Historically Castrol XL 20W/30.
Gearbox Oil:
Gear oil to API GL-4 specification, e.g., Castrol EPX 80W-90 or equivalent.
Rear Axle Oil:
Hypoid gear oil, e.g., Castrol EPX 90.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic fluid (ensure seal compatibility, some prefer older DOT 3 or specific low-viscosity fluids for older systems).
Common Problems:
Oil leaks (from seals, gaskets, engine block), tappet noise, gearbox synchro wear (on later models), kingpin wear, brake system maintenance, electrical component failure (Lucas).
Corrosion Prone Areas:
Chassis outriggers, wheel arches, sills, and floor pans.
Predecessor Models:
Built upon the legacy of Jaguar's racing success and pre-war luxury vehicles.
Xk120 Introduction:
Unveiled in 1948 at the London Motor Show, initially as a limited-production sports car.
Xk140 Enhancements:
Introduced in 1954 with improved handling, interior space, and optional overdrive and wire wheels.
Xk150 Redesign:
Launched in 1957 with a more modern body styling, independent rear suspension (optional on early 150s), and the larger 3.8-liter engine option.
Manufacturing Location:
Coventry, England
Total Production Numbers:
Over 12,000 units combined across all XK models (exact breakdown varies)