Target Audience:
Owners with basic mechanical skills and independent auto service professionals. Also valuable for owners wanting to better understand their vehicle and communicate with technicians.
Value Proposition:
Provides dealership-level service and repair information at a fraction of the cost of official service. Enables significant savings on routine maintenance and repairs.
Content Quality:
Accurate, clear, and concise text with step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, and specifications. Vehicle-specific, not generic.
Manufacturer Provided:
Written by the manufacturers, offering authentic information.
Systems:
General Information, Engine Mechanical, Engine Electrical, Emission Control, Fuel System, Clutch System, Manual Transaxle, Automatic Transaxle, Driveshaft & Axle, Suspension System, Steering System, Restraint System, Brake System, Body (Interior & Exterior), Body Electrical System, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (Specific count not provided, but implied to be comprehensive)
Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed coverage of engine disassembly, assembly, timing, valve adjustments, cylinder head service, piston and connecting rod installation, crankshaft and bearing service, oil pump operation, and cooling system maintenance.
Engine Electrical:
Comprehensive diagrams and procedures for ignition system, starting system, charging system (generator), lighting circuits, and instrumentation.
Fuel System:
Detailed instructions on carburettor (SU HD6 likely) overhaul and adjustment, fuel pump service, fuel lines, and fuel tank maintenance.
Transmission:
Covers both manual (Moss 4-speed synchromesh) and optional automatic (Fluidrive) transmissions, including removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reinstallation.
Suspension And Steering:
Detailed procedures for front and rear suspension components, including kingpins, bushes, shock absorbers (Girling lever-arm), steering box overhaul, and alignment.
Brake System:
In-depth coverage of hydraulic brake system, including master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake shoes, drums/discs (depending on specific model variant), and hydraulic line replacement. Likely Girling hydraulic systems.
Maintenance:
Routine servicing such as oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, lubrication schedules, and general inspections.
Repair And Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and adjustment for all major vehicle systems.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures to identify and resolve common problems across all vehicle systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Suitable for professional mechanics and knowledgeable enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows and Mac
Printability:
Yes, individual pages are printable.
Binding:
Not applicable (Digital PDF)
Paper Type:
Not applicable (Digital PDF)
Software:
Adobe PDF Reader
Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
3435 cc (3.4 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
83 mm x 104.5 mm
Horsepower:
Approx. 160 bhp at 5000 rpm (Standard XK120)
Torque:
Approx. 203 lb-ft at 3000 rpm (Standard XK120)
Carburetion:
Dual SU carburetors (likely HD6 models, though earlier models may have used different variants)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (or equivalent leaded fuel of the era)
Coolant Type:
Distilled water and antifreeze (specific mixture ratio likely detailed in manual)
Type:
4-speed Manual (Moss Gearbox)
Features:
Synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears.
Type:
Fluidrive Automatic (on some later models, rare)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Gear oil (specific API rating and viscosity to be confirmed in manual, typically GL-4)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), specific type to be detailed in manual.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 102 inches (2591 mm)
Length:
Approx. 167 inches (4242 mm) (Roadster)
Width:
Approx. 65 inches (1651 mm)
Height:
Approx. 50 inches (1270 mm) (Roadster, top down)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2,800 - 3,000 lbs (1270 - 1360 kg) depending on body style
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Not explicitly stated, but typically around 3,500 lbs.
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Vehicles from this era were not subjected to modern crash testing standards).
Braking:
Hydraulic front and rear drum brakes (later models may have offered optional front discs).
Seat Belts:
Not standard equipment, but retrofitting information may be available or implied for later builds.
Chassis Construction:
Body-on-frame construction with a separate chassis.
Oil Change:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months, but specific recommendation is in the manual.
Grease Points:
Regular lubrication of chassis grease points is critical (intervals specified in manual).
Engine Oil:
Viscosity SAE 20W-50 or SAE 30 recommended (depending on climate). Specific additive requirements (e.g., ZDDP) for older engines are crucial and will be detailed.
Coolant:
Mixture of distilled water and appropriate antifreeze (e.g., ethylene glycol) for corrosion protection and freeze protection.
Chassis Corrosion:
Body-on-frame construction can be susceptible to rust, especially in certain areas. Inspection of frame and body panels is important.
Carburetor Tuning:
SU carburetors require periodic tuning and balancing for optimal performance.
Lever Arm Shock ABSorbers:
Require regular topping up with specific oil and occasional rebuilds.
Oil Filter:
Likely a spin-on type for later models, or cartridge type. Specific part numbers for common replacements would be found in the manual.
Air Filter:
Specific part numbers for SU carburetor air filters would be listed.
Founding Principles:
Jaguar Cars Ltd. was founded on performance, luxury, and distinctive styling, originating from Swallow Sidecar Company.
Origin:
The XK120 was conceived as a demonstration car for the new Jaguar XK engine. Its success led to production.
Body Styles:
Initially a two-seater open sports roadster, later joined by the Fixed Head Coupe (FHC) and Drophead Coupe (DHC) variants.
Manufacturing Location:
Coventry, England
Total Production:
Approximately 7,373 units produced between 1948 and 1954.
