|
Jaguar is a name synonymous with style and performance, and the XK120, together with the subsequent XK140 and XK150, played a major part in establishing that reputation. The XK series became a benchmark for other manufacturers to follow. Nearly 60 years after the first XK120 left Jaguar's production line, XK sports cars are still revered by enthusiasts today.
The XK 120 played a significant role in Jaguar's history, as it was the marque's first post-war sports car, succeeding the pre-war SS100 and powered by the new XK engine. Originally, the XK was never intended as a volume production model - it was, if anything, more of a concept vehicle, providing a platform to show off the fabulous XK engine, which would remain in production until 1992.
Unveiled at the 1948 British Motor Show, the XK120 took the world by storm, and even Jaguar boss William Lyons did not anticipate the reception that this new sports car would receive. Not only was the car stylish and modern, it could also out-perform virtually every other car on the market at the time. It was a natural competition car, quickly establishing itself in both rallying and on the race circuits of the world, in the hands of drivers such as Stirling Moss, and breaking several speed records.
By 1954 the XK120 had evolved into the XK140, with many detailed improvements over the original design, and in 1957 the XK entered the final phase of its development in the form of the XK150. By the end of production in 1961, over 35,000 XKs had been manufactured.
With the aid of archive images and stunning studio photography, in Jaguar XK: A celebration of Jaguar's 1950s classic, Nigel Thorley chronicles the history and development of the XK range year-by-year, providing a feast of nostalgia for enthusiasts of these fabulous cars. This book is a worthy and welcome edition to the Haynes Great Car Series.
Nigel Thorley owned his first Jaguar at the age of 17 and, in 2008, he is running his 61st Jaguar model. Nigel is a Director and founder member of the Jaguar enthusiasts' club and Editor of its award- winning magazine Jaguar Enthusiast. This will be his seventh Jaguar title to be published by Haynes.
|
|
Review copies available
Notes to Editors:
The information on this page is supplied courtesy of Haynes Publishing, please
credit accordingly if you intend to use it. For more information or to request
a review
copy please
contact Emma at Eventageous PR Ltd on Tel: 01452 886380 or email info@eventspr.co.uk
Haynes Publishing
Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7JJ
Telephone: 01963 440635 Fax: 01963 440001 E-mail: sales@haynes.co.uk
www.haynes.co.uk
Haynes Publishing is a trading style of J H
Haynes & Co Ltd.
Registered in England, Number: 1449587 Registered Office: Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7JJ
|
