The Jaguar XK120 caused a sensation at the 1948 London Motor Show with its stunning appearance and the startling performance on tap from the innovative XK engine. Although the captivating roadster had been intended as a limited volume showcase for the technically advanced powerplant, unprecedented consumer demand forced the company to build it in greater numbers, becoming the most affordable supercar of the time. In this highly readable and informative book, award-winning historian John Nikas reveals the inside story of the development of the entire XK series, including the Le Mans winning sports racers and the iconic XK SS. Always striving to burnish its burgeoning reputation, Jaguar improved the basic formula to create the XK140 in 1954. With more space, better handling and improved performance, the model cemented the company's reputation as one of the finest sports car manufacturers in the world. Despite the devastating fire at Brown's Lane in 1957, Jaguar introduced a new model later that year with revolutionary all-round disc brakes from Dunlop - the perfect complement for a vehicle offering faster acceleration and a higher top speed than ever before. This is the story of all the models from that fascinating era with rare period images and beautiful colour photographs from famed automotive photographer Marc Vorgers.

About the Author
John Nikas is the author of the soon to be released The British Sports Car Companion and Rule Britannia - When British Sports Cars Saved a Nation, which has been designated as the Chairman's Selection for the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. He has authored dozens of articles on automotive topics for various publications and was the 2011 Recipient of the Denise McCluggage Award. He currently serves as the Director of Communications for Moss Motors, which is the world's oldest and largest supplier of British sports car parts, and is the Director for the British Sports Car Hall of Fame. Marc is a transport history photographer specialising in classic cars.


Book Information
ISBN 9781445673462
Author John Nikas
Format Paperback
Page Count 96
Imprint Amberley Publishing
Publisher Amberley Publishing
Weight(grams) 305g