🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jaguar

Model:

Mark VII / XK120 Series

Body Style:

Sedan (Mark VII), Sports Car (XK120)

Generation:

Pre-1950s to Early 1950s

Chassis Codes:

XK120: Primarily 'A' series chassis designations. Mark VII: Likely chassis number sequences specific to the Mark VII range.

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Jaguar Mark VII and XK120 represented the pinnacle of post-war British luxury and performance motoring. These vehicles were targeted at discerning buyers seeking sporting elegance and powerful engines.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with other high-end marques such as Aston Martin, Bentley, and certain American luxury and performance cars. The XK120, in particular, set new performance benchmarks for production sports cars of its era.

Key Features:

The manual provides critical information for maintaining these iconic vehicles, which are celebrated for their potent XK engine, luxurious interiors, and advanced (for their time) chassis design. The availability of detailed repair data is essential for preserving these classics.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Comprehensive coverage for all Jaguar Mark VII and XK120 series models. Includes engine, transmission, chassis, electrical, bodywork, and interior systems.

All Models Covered:

Confirms that all variations and sub-models within the Mark VII and XK120 series are included, ensuring comprehensive applicability.

Page Count:

Not specified in product information, but described as 'huge amount of detailed repair information'.

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Instant Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine overhaul and repair (including XK straight-six variants), drivetrain, clutch, gearbox (Moss and early synchromesh), braking system (hydraulic), steering, suspension (front and rear), electrical system (lighting, ignition, starting, charging), fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, body and frame construction, interior trim and fittings, instrumentation, lubrication.

Bodywork And Chassis:

Detailed procedures for body panel removal, repair, and alignment. Chassis frame inspection and repair. Door mechanisms, hinges, and latches. Hood and trunk lid operation. Bumpers and trim. Woodwork and upholstery repair for interior components.

Electrical System Details:

Detailed wiring diagrams for all circuits, including lighting (headlights, taillights, indicators, interior lights), ignition, starting motor, generator (or dynamo), voltage regulator, horn, and instrumentation.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostic procedures, complete disassembly and re-assembly instructions, component replacement, adjustment procedures (e.g., carburetor tuning, ignition timing, valve clearance), lubrication schedules, wiring diagrams, torque specifications, special tool recommendations.

Troubleshooting Guide:

Comprehensive troubleshooting sections for common problems, guiding users through diagnosis of electrical faults, engine running issues, transmission problems, and braking system concerns.

Technical Depth:

In-depth coverage suitable for both experienced mechanics and dedicated enthusiasts. Provides detailed step-by-step instructions, exploded views, and diagrams for complex repairs and overhauls, enabling complete vehicle restoration and maintenance.

Illustrations And Diagrams:

Richly illustrated with exploded views, detailed diagrams, and photographs to aid in the correct identification of parts and understanding of assembly sequences.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchable Text:

PDF format typically allows for keyword searching, greatly enhancing the efficiency of finding specific information within the manual.

Print Quality:

High-quality digital reproduction, optimized for on-screen viewing and printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

Jaguar XK Inline-6 Cylinder (DOHC)

Engine Code Prefix:

XK

Displacement Liters:

3.4 Liters (3442 cc)

Bore X Stroke Mm:

83 mm x 105 mm

Horsepower Bhp:

Approx. 160-190 bhp (depending on specific tuning and model variant, e.g., XK120 C-Type racing variants had higher outputs).

Torque Lb-Ft:

Approx. 190-200 lb-ft

Fuel System:

Dual SU Carburetors (e.g., H6 or HD6) or Stromberg carburetors depending on application and revision. Mechanical fuel pump.

Ignition System:

Distributor-based ignition system with coil.

Cooling System:

Water-cooled, pressurized system with radiator and fan (belt-driven).

Lubrication System:

Wet sump lubrication with oil pump and filter. Specific oil types and capacities are detailed in the manual.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed manual transmission. Early XK120 models used a Moss gearbox, later models incorporated synchromesh on the top three or all four gears.

Optional Transmission:

Not commonly available for these models during their original production runs. Focus was on manual gearboxes.

Features:

Gear ratios specific to model and application. Clutch type is typically a single dry plate. Manuals provide detailed clutch adjustment and gearbox overhaul procedures.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Inches:

XK120: 102 inches. Mark VII: 116 inches.

Overall Length Inches:

XK120: Approx. 158-165 inches (depending on body style - Roadster, Coupe, Drophead Coupe). Mark VII: Approx. 190 inches.

Overall Width Inches:

XK120: Approx. 62 inches. Mark VII: Approx. 70 inches.

Overall Height Inches:

XK120: Approx. 50-52 inches. Mark VII: Approx. 63 inches.

Curb Weight Lbs:

XK120: Approx. 2,800-3,200 lbs. Mark VII: Approx. 3,600-4,000 lbs.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Lbs:

Not typically specified in modern terms, but implied by chassis strength and payload capacity. Manuals will detail load limitations.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

No formal crash test ratings exist as per modern standards for vehicles of this era. Safety features were rudimentary compared to today's vehicles.

Active Features:

Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels. Direct-ratio steering. Limited active safety features by modern standards.

Passive Features:

Robust body-on-frame or semi-monocoque construction for its time. Safety glass in windshield and windows. Seat belts were often optional or retrofitted.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment:

Basic analog instrumentation including speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, water temperature, and ammeter. Radio was an optional accessory. No electronic infotainment systems.

Driver Assistance:

None by modern standards. Driving aids were limited to the mechanical systems of the vehicle. The manual focuses on the mechanical and electrical operation of these systems.

Connectivity:

N/A. Vehicles of this era did not feature any form of electronic connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

Typical intervals: Oil changes every 3,000 miles or 6 months. Greasing of chassis points every 1,000-2,000 miles. Spark plug check/replacement every 10,000-15,000 miles. Valve clearance checks at more frequent intervals, especially during initial break-in. Manual provides detailed schedules.

Engine Oil Type:

Typically SAE 20W-50 or 30 for ambient temperatures of the era. Modern equivalents will be listed in the manual for optimal protection. Oil filter part numbers will be specific (e.g., for Fram or Purolator equivalents).

Coolant Type:

Water-glycol mixture. Specific anti-corrosion additives recommended. Manual will detail capacity and type.

Brake Fluid Type:

Typically DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid. Manual will specify for optimal performance and seal compatibility.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Gear oil, viscosity and type (e.g., GL-4) specified in the manual for gearbox and differential. Likely EP (Extreme Pressure) gear oils.

Wheel Bearing Grease:

High-temperature wheel bearing grease is specified for front wheel bearings, requiring regular replenishment.

Known Issues:

Carburetor tuning (SU or Stromberg), ignition system maintenance (points, condenser, coil), king pin wear, brake cylinder leaks, chassis lubrication, engine oil consumption, potential for oil leaks from seals and gaskets due to age.

Typical Repairs:

Engine rebuilds, gearbox synchromesh repair, brake system overhaul, front suspension king pin replacement, electrical wiring loom replacement, bodywork restoration.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Jaguar Cars, founded by Sir William Lyons, has a rich history of producing elegant and high-performance vehicles. The post-war era saw Jaguar rise to prominence with its innovative XK engine and stylish designs.

Model Evolution:

The XK120 was introduced in 1948 as a show car, intended to demonstrate the new XK engine. Its overwhelming public reception led to production. The Mark VII sedan, introduced in 1951, adapted the XK engine and chassis elements for a luxurious four-door saloon, offering performance previously unseen in its class.

Key Variants:

XK120 (OTS Roadster, FHC Fixed Head Coupe, DHC Drophead Coupe), Mark VII, Mark VIIM (upgraded engine and interior), Mark VIII.

Production Years:

XK120: 1948-1954. Mark VII: 1951-1956 (followed by Mark VIIM and Mark VIII).

Production Locations:

Coventry, England, UK.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The Jaguar XK120 was widely recognized as a groundbreaking sports car, often cited for its speed and handling. Both models were critically acclaimed for their design and performance, contributing significantly to Jaguar's reputation.

Ratings:

Contemporary road tests from publications like 'The Motor' and 'Autocar' provided excellent ratings for performance and comfort. These are often referenced in historical automotive literature.

Certifications:

N/A. Vehicles of this era did not undergo formal certification processes as seen today.