Jaguar XK 120,140 and 150 - a short history 1948-1961

The Jaguar XK 120 was launched to great acclaim at the Earl’s Court Motor Show in London in 1948. With its sensationally modern styling and promised 120mph performance from its glamorous 3.4-litre twin overhead cam XK engine, the new Jaguar sports car ‘stole the show’.

There was considerable scepticism among the motoring press as to whether the new car would achieve the claimed 120mph. However, a demonstration run in Belgium conclusively proved that the XK 120 lived up its name and was officially the fastest production car in the World. The Americans coveted the British Jaguar and it became a cult car, especially amongst the stars of Hollywood. The XKs covered themselves in glory in racing, rallying and record-breaking, proving they were not just a pretty face, and led Britain’s crucial post-war export drive.

The roadster model, as it became known, was joined in 1951 by a more luxurious Fixed Head Coupé and in 1953 by a similarly opulent convertible, known as the Drop Head Coupé.

In 1954 these were succeeded by the XK 140, again offered in three body styles. The XK 140 retained the style of the 120, with detail changes such as heavier bumpers more appropriate to the US market with its very heavy sedans. Engine power increased a little from 160 to 180bhp, and the two Coupé models had tiny seats in the rear.

From 1957, the XK 140 was succeeded by the evolutionary XK 150. Though of similar style, the design was updated with a single piece windscreen, slimmer doors and a less dramatic rise and fall to the wing line. Mechanically, the important change was the adoption of disc brakes, which Jaguar had developed with Dunlop. Power was uprated again and was further increased when an ‘S’ version was added to the range.

With US cars becoming ever more powerful, even if they could not go round corners, Jaguar responded by adding a 3.8-litre XK engine to the range, again available as an ‘S’ version, supposedly developing 265bhp. Production ceased in 1961.

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