Jaguar XK 120, XK 140 and XK 150: Illustrated History Books & Guides

Original Jaguar XK - The Restorer's Guide

This comprehensive guide features over 50 specially photographed Jaguar XKs, including eight rare alloy-bodied XK120s, making it an essential resource for owners, restorers, and enthusiasts.

"Original Jaguar XK" is the only book that provides detailed written and photographic documentation of the XK120, XK140, and XK150 models. It covers model variations, color options, and extensive technical data, with a strong focus on originality. The book examines rare and unrestored low-mileage cars, bodywork, interiors, and mechanical details, as well as tools and literature, with expert contributions from Roger Payne.

Additionally, it includes insights from leading XK specialists, features barn-find discoveries in their original state, and incorporates data from XK historian David Bentley on surviving examples.

Now in its third edition, this book has become the definitive reference on the Jaguar XK, following five reprints. Richly illustrated, it spans the history of the XK range, from the earliest alloy-bodied 120s to the final 3.8-liter XK150 'S' models. A must-have for anyone seeking an in-depth understanding of these iconic sports cars.

Product details

Author:	Philip Porter
Details:	400 pages, 11 x 9.1 x 1.26 in (28 x 23 x 3.2 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	1000+ b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Porter Press International (GB, 2022)
ISBN:	9781913089597

Jaguar XK120 - The story of 660725

Jaguar XK 120 chassis 660725 was originally ordered by Singaporean businessman and amateur racer Chan Lye Choon. However, it soon passed to Bob Henderson, a young Scotsman working as a rubber trader in Malaya, who kept the car for over 60 years.

During its time in the Far East, the XK was shot at during the Malayan Emergency, raced in both official and unofficial events, and later moved with Henderson to Indonesia. It then returned to Scotland, where it was used for towing de Havilland Mosquito aircraft and even raced against them, before heading to Canada, where it excelled in ice racing and rallying.

After decades in storage, 660725 was restored in the early 21st century. Henderson later modified it with a disc brake conversion and, remarkably, a turbocharger - enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 mph in just 13.8 seconds.

Written by Simon Ham with contributions from Henderson, this book details the car's unique history, including its recent recommissioning.

Contents:
- The car's time in Kuala Lumpur and racing history in the Far East
- Ice racing success in Canada and victory in the Canadian International Winter Rally
- Restoration in Scotland after 30 years of storage
- Turbocharger installation on the classic six-cylinder engine
- Henderson's mid-engined Argyll GT project
- Rare period photos from Henderson's collection and studio photography

Product details

Author:	Simon Ham
Details:	96 pages, 9.1 x 10 x 0.71 in (23 x 25.5 x 1.8 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	85 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Porter Press International (GB, 2021)
ISBN:	9781907085802

Jaguar XK120 Supersonic by Ghia

This book, the first in Porter Press's "Coachbuilt Cars" series, explores the story of the Ghia Jaguar XK 120 Supersonic. Author Richard Heseltine unravels the car's complex history, showcasing the fusion of British engineering and Italian styling.

Built on Jaguar XK 120 chassis 679768, this Supersonic was one of three produced in 1954. However, these were just part of Ghia's broader Supersonic series, which began with a one-off GT designed for the Mille Miglia. This book examines how Ghia's futuristic jet-age design captivated the automotive world, highlighting key figures in post-war Italian car design, engineering, and racing.

Contents:
- The history of Carrozzeria Ghia, its European expansion, and its success in the U.S. market through Chrysler collaborations and the Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
- The origins of the Supersonic design, initially an Alfa Romeo-powered GT, later adapted for Aston Martin, Fiat, AC/Shelby, and others.
- Insights into key figures: Giovanni Savonuzzi, creator of the Supersonic; Virgilio Conrero, who brought it to life as a race car; and Ghia's Luigi Segre, who introduced it to North America.
- A comparison of Italian-bodied Jaguar XK models.
- The history of chassis 679768, including its first owner, long periods of obscurity, and its current role as a prized collector's item.
- Rare period images and striking contemporary photography.

Product details

Author:	Richard Heseltine
Details:	108 pages, 19.1 x 12.8 x 0.59 in (48.5 x 32.5 x 1.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	100+ b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Porter Press International (GB, 2019)
ISBN:	9781907085826

Jaguar XK : A Celebration of Jaguar's 1950s Classic

This book, part of the Great Cars Series, focuses on the Jaguar XK 120, 140, and 150 models. The XK120 was pivotal in establishing Jaguar as a globally recognized brand, combining striking design, top-tier performance, and innovative engineering. The following XK140 and XK150 models continued to solidify Jaguar's reputation as a leading sports car manufacturer.

Pages of the book "Jaguar XK : A Celebration of Jaguar's 1950s Classic"

Using both archive images and captivating studio photography, renowned Jaguar historian Nigel Thorley shares the history of these iconic cars.

Product details

Author:	Nigel Thorley
Details:	152 pages, 10.25 x 10.25 x 0.87 in (26 x 26 x 2.2 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	many b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2018)
Series:	Veloce Classic Reprint
ISBN:	9781787113022

Jaguar XK120 : The Remarkable History of JWK 651 (Exceptional Cars)

This book narrates the story of one of the six alloy-bodied XK 120s prepared by Jaguar in 1950 for racing and rallying. Known as JWK 651 due to its registration number, it was owned by Leslie Johnson and raced in prestigious events such as the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Mille Miglia (twice), and the Tourist Trophy at Dundrod.

Pages of the book "Jaguar XK120 : The Remarkable History of JWK 651"

Johnson and Stirling Moss also attempted record-breaking runs at Montlhéry and participated in the RAC Rally. The book covers the car's diverse and distinguished competition career and its later life. It includes numerous period photographs and a portfolio of studio images.

Product details

Author:	Chas Parker, Philip Porter
Details:	128 pages, 9.8 x 11.4 x 0.71 in (25 x 29 x 1.8 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	120 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Porter Press International (GB, 2017)
ISBN:	9781907085567

The Jaguar XKs - The 1950s Pacesetters from Coventry

The Jaguar XK120 made a big impact at the 1948 London Motor Show with its striking design and impressive performance from the advanced XK engine. Originally planned as a limited-production model, overwhelming demand led Jaguar to increase production, making it one of the most accessible high-performance cars of its time.

In this engaging and well-researched book, historian John Nikas explores the development of the entire XK series, including the Le Mans-winning race cars and the legendary XK SS. Jaguar continued to refine its sports cars, introducing the XK140 in 1954 with more space, better handling, and improved performance, further strengthening its reputation.
Despite a major fire at Brown's Lane in 1957, Jaguar quickly responded with a new model featuring advanced all-round disc brakes from Dunlop, enhancing both speed and safety.

This book tells the story of these remarkable models, featuring rare historical images and stunning color photography by Marc Vorgers.

Product details

Author:	John Nikas, Marc Vorgers
Details:	96 pages, 9.25 x 6.5 x 0.39 in (23.5 x 16.5 x 1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	100 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Amberley Publishing (GB, 2017)
ISBN:	9781445673462

Classic Jaguar XK - The 6-Cylinder Cars 1948-1970

The definitive Jaguar XK models are the 6-cylinder sports cars produced from the late 1940s to the mid-1970s, spanning from the XK 120 to the E-Type. These cars played a key role in shaping Jaguar's sporty image, reputation for defeating competitors, and its commercial success, particularly in the United States. The 6-cylinder XKs are central to Jaguar's legacy and identity as a sports car maker.

This book tells the complete story of the entire 6-cylinder XK generation, covering the people, events, and circumstances that made these cars legendary. It shows how the XK series helped establish Jaguar's reputation and ensured that the term "XK" would forever symbolize "sports car" in Jaguar's history.

Product details

Author:	Brian Laban
Details:	208 pages, 10.25 x 8.5 x 0.75 in (26 x 21.5 x 1.9 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	270 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	The Crowood Press Ltd (GB, 2016)
ISBN:	9781785001932

Jaguar XK 120, 140 & 150 (1948-1961) - Essential Buyer's Guide

Looking for a good Jaguar XK? This Essential Buyer's Guide, written by a brand expert, offers practical advice for buying a Jaguar XK 120, XK 140, and XK 150.

Model years: 1948-1961.

Does not cover: Specials, C-type and D-type racing models or the XKSS.

This Essential Buyer's Guide for the Jaguar XK helps you find the right car at the right price and answers the following questions:
- Walk away or keep it? First evaluation of a Jaguar XK.
- What is the right price? Valuation with a unique scoring system.
- How to check authenticity?
- Which models are most suitable?
- What are known issues?
- What are the restoration options and impacts?
- What are the maintenance costs?

Pages of the book "Jaguar XK 120, 140 & 150 (1948-1961)"

Product details

Author:	Nigel Thorley
Details:	64 pages, 7.7 x 5.5 in (19.5 x 14 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	94 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2013)
Series:	The Essential Buyer's Guide
ISBN:	9781845843779

Jaguar XK140 / 150 in Detail

Jaguar's XK series sports cars featured the innovative twin overhead camshaft engine first seen in the 1948 XK120, which quickly captured the motoring world's attention.

In 1954, the XK120 was replaced by the more refined XK140, offering increased power, optional overdrive, a larger cockpit, and a top speed of 130mph, up from the XK120's 120mph. Available as a two-seat roadster, a drophead coupé, and a fixed-head coupé, the XK140 marked the growth of the XK series.

The XK140 was succeeded by the XK150 in 1957, the final model before the E-Type. With disc brakes on all wheels, engines up to 265bhp, and a new body design, the XK150 was a powerful, glamorous sports car.

This book begins by detailing the introduction of the XK140, a crucial model after the success of the XK120. It includes a full technical breakdown of the car, covering its chassis, engine, transmission, and body types. The evolution of both the XK140 and XK150 is examined, along with production and sales data.
The author also discusses prototypes, special cars, notable owners, and offers guidance on identification and colour schemes. Over 140 colour photographs and 250 archive images provide a visual history.

Product details

Author:	Anders Ditlev Clausager
Details:	240 pages, 11 x 8.7 x 0.98 in (28 x 22 x 2.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	250 b&w and 140 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2008)
Series:	In Detail
ISBN:	9781906133078

Jaguar XK 120 in Detail

The Jaguar XK120, introduced at the 1948 Motor Show, remains a classic automotive icon. Despite being built in just a few weeks, it impressed both the press and the public with its elegant design and outstanding performance. Its 3.4-liter twin-cam engine allowed it to reach 120 mph, making it one of the fastest cars of its time.

Anders Ditlev Clausager, Chief Archivist of the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, provides a detailed history of the XK120 in this book. Using factory records and archives, he offers valuable historical and statistical insights. He covers the car's development, the evolution of the XK engine, and the model's debut.
The book also examines the introduction of coupe and convertible versions, production changes, worldwide sales, and the XK120's role in motorsports, including Le Mans.

Additional topics include special-bodied versions, ownership experiences, and technical details such as early alloy-bodied models and original color options. With over 100 color illustrations and 300 black-and-white photos, including famous examples like NUB120 and Stirling Moss's Monthléry record car, this book is an essential resource for XK120 enthusiasts and owners.

Product details

Author:	Anders Ditlev Clausager
Details:	240 pages, 11 x 8.7 x 1.02 in (28 x 22 x 2.6 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	300 b&w and 100 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2006)
Series:	In Detail
ISBN:	9780954998103

Jaguar XK120, XK140, XK150 Sports Cars

This Iconografix photo book covers the Jaguar XK120, XK140, and XK150 sports cars from 1948-1961, featuring a beautiful collection of 121 high-quality, large-format archive photos. It includes detailed captions and a brief history overview.
With its authentic historical images, this book from the "Ludvigsen Library" is a rich source of information about the Jaguar XK.

Product details

Author:	Karl Ludvigsen
Details:	128 pages, 8.5 x 10.25 x 0.51 in (21.5 x 26 x 1.3 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	121 b&w photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Iconografix (USA, 2005)
ISBN:	9781583881507

Jaguar XKs - A Collector's Guide

This book covers the history and significance of the Jaguar XK series, which includes open tourers, convertibles, and coupes. Over 30.000 units were produced across three series from 1948 to 1960. The majority of surviving models have become sought-after classics by enthusiasts who value their place in Jaguar's performance-car legacy.

The XK120, introduced after World War II, brought Jaguar global recognition and marked the company's rise to success. The author, a leading Jaguar expert, provides a detailed look at the design, development, and production of each model, as well as their racing histories. The book also includes valuable advice on purchasing, ownership, and spare parts sourcing.

Chapters:
- Ancestors and Parentage
- The XK120
- The XK140
- The XK150
- XKs in Competition
- Buying a Jaguar XK
- Spares and Maintenance

Appendices:
- Technical Specifications
- Chassis Numbers, Engine Numbers, and Model Identification
- Engine Changes by Model, Date, and Number
- XK Colour Finishes
- XK Production Figures
- Performance Figures

Product details

Author:	Paul Skilleter
Details:	128 pages, 7.1 x 9.25 x 0.39 in (18 x 23.5 x 1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	140 b&w photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Motor Racing Publications Ltd (GB, 2001)
ISBN:	9781899870578

Jaguar XK 120, XK 140, XK 150 1948-1960 - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Jaguar XK 120 / 140 / 150 models from the years 1948-1960. Describes the Jaguar XK120, Coupé, C-Type, Fitch-Jaguar, XK120M, D-Type, XK140, Coupé, XK140MC, XKSS, XK150, Coupé, XK150S, Lister Jaguar, XK150S 3.8 and Le Mans.

• The 68 period articles, brought together from leading British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
• Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Product details

Details:	180 pages, 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.43 in (27 x 20 x 1.1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	extensively illustrated
Language:	English
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 1991)
Series:	Gold Portfolio
ISBN:	9781870642415

Jaguar XK, la compétition sur route dans les années 1950

In the 1950s and 1960s, Jaguar XK actively participated in major road races, including the Alpine Rally, the Tour de France, Liège-Rome-Liège, Monte Carlo, and the Mille Miglia. They were also involved in many other races and record attempts in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, and Switzerland.

This illustrated book features stunning photographs and rare documents on the Jaguar XK 120, 140, and 150, as well as the C- and D-Type in competition.
With 240 pages, this book provides an insight into the world of passionate amateur drivers and the unique atmosphere of 1950s rallying.

Product details

Author:	Bernard Viart
Details:	240 pages, 11.4 x 9 in (29 x 24 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	350 photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2006)
ISBN:	9782726894682

Das Original: Jaguar XK - Coupé, Cabriolet, Roadster

This reference book is an essential guide for Jaguar XK owners and restorers. It showcases top-quality examples of all nine XK models - Coupé, Convertible, and Roadster - through detailed descriptions and images.

With over 150 high-quality color photographs, the book provides impressive close-ups of the bodywork, interior, and mechanics. The meticulously researched text is complemented by numerous tables.
All images were carefully selected by a panel of renowned XK experts.

Product details

Author:	Philip Porter, Tim Andrew
Details:	96 pages, 11.8 x 9.1 in (30 x 23 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	150 color photos
Language:	German
Publisher:	Heel-Verlag GmbH (D, 2016)
ISBN:	9783958433083