Jaguar XK1#0 models

I thought they named the XK120 and 150 because they could do 120 and 150mph, respectively .

 

I was under the impression that this was what the numbers meant as well.

 

So did they really go those speeds or was it more a case like the XJ220? I heard the XJ220 did 217.

 

From my favorite..Wikipedia...

The Jaguar XK120 was a sports car manufactured by Jaguar Cars between 1949 and 1954. It was the first post-war sports car from the marque, succeeding the SS100 which ended production in 1940 with the start of the war in Britain. It was launched at the 1948 London Motor Show.

Power came from a dual overhead cam 3.4 L straight-6 engine, Jaguar's famous XK6 engine. The name referred to the vehicle's impressive 120 mph (193 km/h) top speed. At the time of its launch it was the world's fastest standard production car[1] . It was available as a coupe, convertible, or roadster.

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The Jaguar XK140 was a sports car manufactured by Jaguar Cars between 1954 and 1957. Upgrades over its predecessor, the XK120, included better brakes and rack and pinion steering. A jump seat was added to the coupe version to improve practicality. The name referred to its 140 mph (225 km/h) top speed. This car appeared in the movie Cruel Intentions.

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The Jaguar XK150 was a sports car produced by Jaguar Cars between 1957 and 1961. It replaced the previous Jaguar XK140.

Initially it was available in Fixed Head Coupe (FHC) and Drop Head Coupe (DHC) versions. The Open Two Seater (OTS) Roadster model was not launched until 1958. Token rear seats were fitted in the coupes.

Although having a family resemblance to the XK120 and XK140, the XK150 was radically modernised. For the first time a one piece windscreen was used and the wing line no longer dropped as much over the doors. The bonnet was widened and opened down to the wings and on the OTS the bulkhead was moved back to make it about 4 inches longer. The car was available at various times in Red, Pearl Grey, White, Indigo Blue, Claret, Cotswold Blue, Black, Mist Grey, Sherwood Green, Carmen Red, British racing Green, Cornish grey and Imperial Maroon.

In side the car the walnut dashboard went to be replaced by one trimmed in leather. The doors were thinner giving more interior space.

The standard engine, the same as fitted to the XK140, was the 3.4 litre DOHC Jaguar straight-6 rated at 180 bhp at 5750 rpm but most cars were fitted with the SE engine that had a modified cylinder head with larger exhaust valves rated at 210 bhp at 5500 rpm. Twin 1.75 inch SU HD6 carburettors were fitted. In 1958 the S model was launched with three 2 inch SU HD8 carburettors and a modified cylinder head giving a claimed 250 bhp. The engine capacity was increased in 1958 to 3.8 litres by increasing the bore. Claimed output was now 220 bhp for the standard and 265 bhp for the S version.

Four-wheel disc brakes appeared for the first time although it was theoretically possible to order a car with drums. Either wire wheels or disc wheels could be specified. Suspension and chassis were very similar to that on the XK140. Steering was by rack and pinion and power steering was not offered.

Production totalled 2265 Roadsters, 4445, Fixed Head Coupes and 2672 Drop Head Coupes.

 

In the case of the XJ220, it was their target to hit 220mph. Although it fell shy by 3mph.

 

In terms of appearance, the 120 was cut the lowest going from the front fender through the doors. The 140 was a bit higher, the 150 higher still. I'll try to find some pictures to show this.

 

Here are pictures of a 120, a 140, and a 150 in succession.
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