XK research

[Lin]

I have wandered over from the Healey forum. I just finished the complete (last nut and bolt) restoration of my 1960 BT7.Bought "The Bloody Beast" when I was 19 in 1971. Kept it all this time.For anyone who may be interested the full restoration history is available on my website:

https://web.mac.com/linwoodrose/My_AH_3000_BT7_/Home.html


Much to my wife's chagrin, I am already thinking about my next project. Although I may be a year or two away from an actual car purchase, I am thinking that I would like to pursue the restoration of an XK140 this time around.

I would like to do some research into the production changes of the car and would like to better understand what variations are considered the most desirable.

I am not stuck on a 140, however, its appearance appeals to me. I am 6'2" and I understand that a 120 is a bit cramped for a taller driver. The 150 may be more refined, but I prefer the more distinctive curves of the 120 and 140.

So, I have two requests. Of the 120, 140 and 150 models what are Jag owner preferences ( I expect and will appreciate opinions and biases based on emotional attachments)? Second, what are the top 2-3 books to read on the subject? I have a full Healey library, but have literally nothing on Jaguars.

Thanks so much,

Lin
1960 BT7 "The Bloody Beast"
1959 AN5 Bugeye

 

[LarryK]

You'll find the 140 a lot more comfortable than the 120. The 140 has rack and pinion steering and more legroom. The 150 is refined and has more power. Wasn't impressed by it as I learned to drive in a 140. There are plenty of XK books out there: " The Jaguar XKs", Phil Skilleter, "You & Your 140", Nigel Thorley, " Original Jaguar XK", Philip Porter, "Jaguar Performance and Pride", Peter Lyons.

 

[Steve]

For information on production changes, you can't beat "Original Jaguar XK" by Philip Porter. VERY informative!

With the other books, it depends on what you want to learn. I have the two-volume set on "Jaguar Sports Racing & Works Competition Cars" by the late Andrew Whyte, which I refer to all the time. There are a lot of books on the marque out there, but I like "Jaguar" by Philip Porter (again) for a good overview, alternatively, Lord Montagu of Beauleiu's book on Jaguar is much more detailed. I reckon a good marque history, together with two books more specific to the Jaguar XKs would be a good combination.

 

[PhilW]

Hi,

I'm also 6'2" and i've been able to drive most models of Jags for the past 30+ years (I work in a Jag rest. shop). You might find all the 120 models cramped with your legs against the steering wheel. The 140 models have more room for your legs (maybe 6" more of legroom) and I feel very comfortable driving them. In my 140 Rd. I can put my legs straight out. The 150 has about the same room as the 140, but the high door line keeps you from sitting back, with your hand out the window, and touching the ground like in a 140 (rd.).

Overall they made twice as many 120's as 140's, so they're harder to find, not sure of the 150 - probably a few more than the 140.

Mechanically, the 120 drives like an old truck - but a great looking one. Drum brakes, worm gear steering, crash box trans., solid axle rear. The 140 had R&P steering and a bit more power. A lot is said of the 140 optional "C" type head which gave a few more horses, but that "C" option is very common. I'd say they made 4 times more "C" 140's than the standard. The 150 had disc brakes all around with a booster and also offered a 3 carb gold head high performance version (later put on the E-type). They also went from the split windshield to a single curved one.

True, they all drive like trucks, but compared to anything else from that time, they were space shuttles in a crowd of bi-planes.

I have owned 120's and couldn't drive them comfortably. I own a 140 roadster, drop head coupe, and a coupe and they are all comfortable to drive. And I really like the split windshield they have. Gives it that old classic look. (Yes, the 140 is my personal favorite.)

You know Healeys, so look for rust in the usual places - As you stand next to the car - from your knee on down. From the doors on back-look for rust everywhere - especially the drop heads. The engines leaked oil a lot, so there's less rust up front.

Luckily, you can get almost any part for them all and you don't have to sell your first born to afford it. If you're not into strict originality, you can update brakes, trans, rear, electrics, etc. to make them safer and relyable. I have a 140 DHC that has a full syncro XKE trans and also an independant rear also from an XKE. Turns it into a different car and it's easily reversable back to original.

They are all a leap ahead of the BJ8 I had before.

Phil.

 

[Lin]

Phil, Steve and Larry,
Thanks very much for the suggestions and opinions - all helpful. I have ordered some books to study the subject further.

I like doing most of the restoration work myself so that I really know what I have. When I did my Big Healey I was motivated by the fact that it was the first car I ever owned. It was eaten up with rust and the restoration was extensive and expensive. This time I would prefer to pay for a car that has either been previously restored (say in the eighties) and is in need of another fix-up, but has been cared for well enough that it is basically free of rust; or one that is still original but pretty rust free. I know that the latter will be very difficult to find.

I am not in a hurry and I plan on shopping carefully. Should you know of 140's I should check out, I would appreciate any tips.

Thanks again.

Lin
1960 BT7 "The Bloody Beast"
1959 Bugeye