🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jaguar

Model:

XK120

Chassis Codes:

XK120, XK120 OTS, XK120 FHC, XK120 DHC

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Jaguar XK120 was a landmark sports car, positioned as a high-performance, luxurious Grand Tourer with exceptional speed and handling for its era.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against other elite sports cars of the post-war period, offering a blend of performance, style, and British craftsmanship that set it apart.

Key Features:

Iconic styling, powerful straight-six engine, high top speed (breaking 120 mph barrier), advanced chassis and suspension for its time, luxurious interior.

Performance Credentials:

Achieved speeds exceeding 120 mph, establishing it as one of the fastest production cars of its time.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Full vehicle service and repair

Page Count:

Unknown (PDF, length varies by version)

Manual Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Compatibility:

Compatible with all Windows Operating Systems and any smartphone or tablet capable of opening PDF files.

Usability:

Easy to use, no installation required, simple PDF format.

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine, Carburettors and Fuel System, Cooling System, Clutch and Flywheel, Gearbox, Propeller Shafts, Rear Axle, Steering, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Brakes, Chassis, Coachwork, Air Conditioning Equipment, Electrical System, Accessory Manufacturers, Overseas Service Agents

Electrical System Detail:

Covers wiring diagrams, component identification, and troubleshooting for the 12-volt electrical system.

Procedures Included:

Maintenance, Repair, Troubleshooting, Adjustments, Overhauls, Diagnostics

Overhaul Procedures:

Detailed instructions for complete engine, gearbox, and axle overhauls.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic repairs to full rebuilds with dealer-level detail.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Includes guidance for identifying and resolving mechanical and electrical faults.

Illustrations:

Step-by-step illustrated repair procedures for enhanced clarity.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF, printable

Print Quality:

High quality, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire document.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format, user printable)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format, user printable)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

DOHC Inline 6-cylinder

Displacement:

3442 cc (210.5 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

83 mm x 106 mm (3.27 in x 4.17 in)

Horsepower:

160 bhp (119 kW) at 5200 rpm (standard), 180 bhp (134 kW) at 5500 rpm (optional 'F' type, dual exhaust)

Torque:

Approximately 197 lb-ft (267 Nm) at 3500 rpm (for 160 bhp version)

Carburettors:

Twin SU H6 carburetors (standard)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline

Engine Codes:

W.120 series

Engine Variants:

XK 3.4 Litre (160 bhp), XK 3.4 Litre 'F' Type (180 bhp)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Manual

Gear Ratios:

Typical ratios: 3.64:1 (1st), 2.40:1 (2nd), 1.54:1 (3rd), 1.00:1 (4th)

Optional Transmissions:

N/A (Exclusively manual)

Clutch Type:

Dry single-plate

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 158.7 in (4031 mm) (OTS), 166.1 in (4219 mm) (FHC/DHC)

Width:

Approximately 60.0 in (1524 mm)

Height:

Approximately 49.5 in (1257 mm) (OTS), 51.0 in (1295 mm) (FHC)

Wheelbase:

102.0 in (2591 mm)

Body Styles:

Open Two-Seater (OTS), Fixed Head Coupé (FHC), Drophead Coupé (DHC)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 2,750 - 3,100 lbs (1247 - 1406 kg), depending on body style

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

N/A (Modern safety ratings did not exist for vehicles of this era)

Active Safety Features:

Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, effective steering system.

Passive Safety Features:

Robust chassis construction for its time, body structure.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Original equipment focused on mechanical function; radio was an optional accessory.

Driver Assistance Features:

N/A (No electronic driver aids)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months; consult manual for specifics.

Lubrication Points:

Regular chassis lubrication at various points (grease nipples).

Engine Oil Type:

Classic mineral oil, e.g., SAE 20W-50 or SAE 30, depending on climate and oil filter type. Zinc additive recommended.

Coolant Type:

Water/Ethylene Glycol mixture (typically 50/50), often with rust inhibitors suitable for older engines.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific system compatibility, as some older systems may have had rubber component issues with modern fluids).

Gearbox Oil Type:

GL-4 gear oil, e.g., SAE 90

Rear Axle Oil Type:

EP (Extreme Pressure) gear oil, e.g., SAE 90

Common Issues:

Oil leaks, carburetor tuning, ignition system maintenance, brake adjustment, potential chassis flex, rear axle bearing wear, electrical system reliability.

Oil Filter Part Number:

Example: AC Delco X1051E, Fram PH2, Purolator L1000 (numerous equivalents exist, verify compatibility)

Spark Plug Part Number:

Example: Champion L10Y, NGK BPR5ES (verify application)

Maintenance Schedule:

Advises on regular checks for fluid levels, tire pressures, ignition timing, brake adjustments, and lubrication.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Jaguar Cars, known for its stylish, powerful, and luxurious sports cars and sedans.

Model Evolution:

The XK120 was a successor to the pre-war SS Jaguar models and was the first major sports car produced by Jaguar after World War II, evolving into the XK140 and XK150.

Production Years:

1948 - 1954

Production Locations:

Coventry, England

Production Total:

Approximately 12,056 units (across all body styles)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

Widely acclaimed as one of the most beautiful cars ever made, achieved numerous motorsport successes, including outright victory at the 1950 24 Hours of Le Mans (in the modified XK120 C-Type, derived from the road car).