In 1948 Jaguar launched the new XK120 which caused a huge sensation. Originally handmade in aluminium and known as the "lightweight". Conceived as a low volume dream car rather than a serious production machine it was destined to become a great dollar earner for Britain as most XK's were exported to the USA. Jaguar founder, Sir William Lyons shaped a flowing open two seater roadster body taking inspiration from the pre war sporty BMW 328. The 120 would certainly would have sold well enough on looks alone but add the newly designed Jaguar 3.4 litre XK engine and it was an irristiable marriage of engine and design capable of 120 MPH. Tooling was soon created to mass produce the XK 120 and the XK engine units were so successful that they were still in production well into the 1990's spanning almost fifty years powering Le Mans winning Jaguars to state limousines and family saloons. .
Jaguar were unprepared for demand with XK production and soon variations of the roadster were announced, a fixed head version in 1951 and the drop head coupe in 1953. The new XK the 140 gained more power, larger bumpers, bigger cockpit and rack and pinion steering in all three body options and offered rear seats for the first time. Last of the XK's production run was the 1957 XK150. With same chassis as the 140 but with all newly styled body panels and a wraparound front screen, a higher scuttle and more width as Jaguar tried to string out the models appeal. In 1959 the "S" model was introduced with triple carburettors and disc brakes all round. As with all the Jaguar XK's the150 was great value, half the price of a contemporary Aston DB4 and Mercedes 300SL. In Jersey there are more than ten XK's to include the earliest surviving cars No2 & No3 owned by the same collector, not bad for 45 square miles!
The XK range is a true classic car and has the benefit of excellent parts availability. They are a pleasure to drive (if you are not too tall) and a pleasure to look at. They are regularly through our works for maintenance and restoration work.