🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jaguar

Models Covered:

Mark VII, XK120, XK140

Mark Vii Generation:

First Generation (1949-1956)

Xk120 Generation:

Original XK Series (1948-1954)

Xk140 Generation:

Second Generation XK Series (1954-1957)

Mark Vii Chassis Codes:

220001 onwards

Xk120 Chassis Codes:

660001 onwards (Roadster), 670001 onwards (Coupe/Drophead Coupe)

Xk140 Chassis Codes:

S800001 onwards (Fixed Head Coupe), S810001 onwards (Open Two Seater), S820001 onwards (Drophead Coupe)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Luxury Saloon (Mark VII), Sports Car (XK120/140)

Target Audience:

Owners and mechanics of Jaguar Mark VII, XK120, and XK140 vehicles

Historical Competitors:

Mark VII: Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn, Bentley Mark VI, Daimler Consort. XK Series: Aston Martin DB2, Ferrari 166 Inter, Porsche 356.

Mark Vii Features:

Spacious interior, comfortable ride, powerful XK engine, elegant styling, handling improvements over predecessors.

Xk120 Features:

Groundbreaking performance, iconic styling, XK straight-six engine, lightweight chassis, considered one of the most beautiful cars ever made.

Xk140 Features:

Improvements over XK120: increased power, better handling (improved suspension geometry), optional automatic transmission, more comfortable interior, updated styling cues.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Supplement Manual (Maintenance and Repair)

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Estimated Page Count:

N/A (Supplement, actual count may vary)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

XK Engine (3.4L, 3.8L), Carburetion (SU HD6/H6), Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System

Drivetrain Systems:

Manual Transmission (Moss Gearbox variants), Clutch Assembly, Driveshaft, Rear Axle Assembly

Suspension Steering Brakes:

Front Independent Suspension (Trailing Link), Rear Live Axle with Quarter Elliptic Springs, Rack and Pinion Steering (XK120/140), Steering Box (Mark VII), Hydraulic Drum Brakes (Front & Rear), Handbrake System

Electrical Systems:

12-Volt Electrical System, Lighting System, Ignition System, Generator/Alternator, Starter Motor, Instrumentation, Wiring Diagrams (where applicable)

Body Chassis:

Body Shell Repair, Chassis Lubrication Points, Door Mechanisms, Window Regulators, Bumpers, Trim Components

Maintenance Procedures:

Routine Servicing, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Ignition Timing Adjustment, Carburetor Synchronization and Adjustment, Brake Adjustment, Chassis Lubrication

Repair Procedures:

Engine Overhaul (partial or specific components), Transmission Rebuild, Clutch Replacement, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair and Replacement

Troubleshooting Guidance:

Diagnostic procedures for common engine, transmission, electrical, and braking faults

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive maintenance and repair procedures, suitable for experienced mechanics and dedicated enthusiasts. Includes detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, and diagnostic information.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if scanned with OCR

Image Clarity:

Recommended Adobe PDF Reader for optimal display of images and graphics

Binding Style:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Mark Vii Engine:

3.4 Litre (3442 cc) DOHC Inline-6 (XK Engine)

Xk120 Engine:

3.4 Litre (3442 cc) DOHC Inline-6 (XK Engine)

Xk140 Engine:

3.4 Litre (3442 cc) DOHC Inline-6 (XK Engine), later 3.8 Litre (3781 cc) DOHC Inline-6 (XK Engine)

Mark Vii Horsepower:

Approx. 160 bhp (standard tune)

Mark Vii Torque:

Approx. 195 lb-ft

Xk120 Horsepower:

Approx. 160-180 bhp (depending on variant: Standard, MC, FHC)

Xk140 Horsepower:

Approx. 190 bhp (3.4L), 210 bhp (3.8L)

Xk140 Torque:

Approx. 220 lb-ft (3.4L), 240 lb-ft (3.8L)

Carburetion Type:

Twin SU HD6 or H6 Carburetors

Fuel Type:

Leaded Gasoline (Octane rating suitable for the era, e.g., 91-98 RON)

Mark Vii Engine Prefix:

A

Xk120 Engine Prefix:

W

Xk140 Engine Prefix:

G (3.4L), J (3.8L)

🔧 Transmission

Mark Vii Transmission:

4-Speed Manual with Overdrive (Laycock de Normanville)

Xk120 Transmission:

4-Speed Manual (Moss Gearbox)

Xk140 Transmission Optional:

3-Speed Automatic Transmission (BorgWarner DG)

Gearbox Type:

Moss Gearbox (dogs engagement, synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd, 4th)

Gear Ratios:

Refer to manual for specific ratios for each model and gearbox variant.

Transmission Fluid Type:

GL4 Hypoid Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 90) - Verify with specific manual for exact type.

📐 Dimensions

Mark Vii Wheelbase:

Approx. 120 inches (3048 mm)

Mark Vii Length:

Approx. 195 inches (4953 mm)

Xk120 Wheelbase:

Approx. 104 inches (2642 mm)

Xk120 Length:

Approx. 168 inches (4267 mm)

Xk140 Wheelbase:

Approx. 104 inches (2642 mm)

Xk140 Length:

Approx. 167 inches (4242 mm)

Mark Vii Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,700-4,000 lbs (1678-1814 kg)

Xk120 Curb Weight:

Approx. 2,800-3,100 lbs (1270-1406 kg)

Xk140 Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,000-3,200 lbs (1361-1451 kg)

Wheel Size:

16-inch (typical for all models)

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 4.5 inches (5 x 114.3 mm)

Tire Sizes:

Early XK120: 6.00-16; Later XK120/XK140/Mark VII: 6.50-16, 7.00-16 (check manual for specific fitment)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

N/A (Vehicles predate modern safety rating systems like NHTSA/Euro NCAP)

Braking System:

Hydraulic Drum Brakes (Front and Rear). XK150 introduced discs. Mark VII and XK120/140 typically drums all around.

Chassis Construction:

Body-on-frame construction for Mark VII; Body and chassis integrated for XK series, with ladder chassis for XK120/140.

Seat Belts:

Not standard equipment, often retrofitted by owners.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Systems:

Basic analog instrumentation: Speedometer, Tachometer, Oil Pressure Gauge, Water Temperature Gauge, Ammeter. Radio was an optional extra.

Driver Assistance Features:

None by modern standards. Focus on mechanical systems.

Connectivity Features:

N/A

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months. Consult the manual for specific recommendations.

Grease Points Frequency:

Lubrication of chassis grease points typically every 1,000-3,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-30 (depending on climate). Historically, straight 20 or 30 weight oils were used. Consider modern high-zinc (ZDDP) oils for flat-tappet engines.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based anti-freeze/anti-boil solution. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (check manual for exact specification).

Engine Common Issues:

Oil leaks (especially from rocker covers and crankshaft seals), overheating, carburetor tuning issues, valve seat wear (especially if unleaded fuel is used without hardened inserts).

Transmission Common Issues:

Moss gearbox synchromesh wear, clutch wear, potential rear axle oil leaks.

Suspension Steering Brakes Common Issues:

Worn kingpins and bushings, steering box play, brake drum distortion or wear, potential for fading under heavy use.

Electrical Common Issues:

Aging wiring harnesses leading to intermittent faults, generator output issues, starter solenoid problems.

Parts Notes:

While many parts are available from specialist suppliers, some items may be NLA and require sourcing or fabrication.

📚 Vehicle History

Jaguar Heritage:

Founded by Sir William Lyons, known for elegant design, performance, and sporting heritage originating from the Swallow Sidecar Company.

Mark Vii Evolution:

Successor to the Mark V, incorporating the advanced XK engine. It was Jaguar's first car with a unitary body construction (except for early models using a separate chassis). It transitioned Jaguar from a maker of smaller sports cars to a producer of luxury sedans.

Xk Series Evolution:

The XK120, launched in 1948, was a sensation and a testament to post-war British engineering and design. The XK140, introduced in 1954, was an evolution featuring numerous mechanical and comfort upgrades to keep pace with evolving automotive standards and competitor offerings.

Mark Vii Production Years:

1949–1956

Xk120 Production Years:

1948–1954

Xk140 Production Years:

1954–1957

Manufacturing Location:

Coventry, England

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Xk120 Recognition:

Widely acclaimed as one of the most beautiful cars of all time. Achieved significant success in motorsport, including class wins at Le Mans.

Mark Vii Recognition:

Successfully established Jaguar in the luxury sedan market. Praised for its performance and styling in the luxury class.