Most people in the USA have this belief that, sure, maybe something existed before it but that the history of Jaguar automobiles began with the famous E Type. For those people who haven't brushed up on their history they may be surprised to learn that Jaguar had a huge international success with a car built around their most famous engine, the XK-6,
The dual overhead cam inline six was first introduced in 1948 and proved to be so successful that it was not only their mainstay engine through the 1970s but has remained the basis for most every Jaguar power plant.
Having a great engine is one thing but Jaguar has always had a history of draping it's muscle in beautiful wrappings. Indeed, the first car to be powered by that beautiful motor, the XK-120 featured something many manufacturers had strived for but seldom achieved: beauty, performance and value. The first engine was really more of an experiment with a longer wheelbase that was originally intended for the marque's Mark VII saloon car. But when the public saw that they could own a high quality yet affordable car that was very easy on the eyes, the flocked to dealerships to drop their money.
With growing sales, the folks at Jaguar continued to tweak their product, adding power to the engine, all the way up to a 3.8 liter with up to 265 horse power, improving handling, "cushing" up the comfort levels inside and making minor sculpting enhancements to the body. The cars continued to sell and sell well.
Not only was this a nice touring car but many folks used them in rally events where they not only did well but won many major events despite the fact that they were a bit heavy to truly take on the machines coming out of Italy and France at the time.
But with Jaguar's racing success in other events the company made a decision in the early 1960s to create a sports car to not only replace the aging XK Series but one that could better compete against those foreign powers to the south. Enter the E Type.
During it's life the XK Series was the envy of many manufacturers throughout Europe. Though few were exported to the USA this is the car that set the stage for Jaguar's intense invasion during the 1960s.
Shown here is one of the last XK Series cars, a 150 with the 3.8 liter engine. By the time this was rolled out the styling was rapidly getting showing its age. Today, though, looking at this beautiful car brings back visions of long spring rides through the English countryside.
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