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The third and final iteration of the XK
range, started with the XK120 in
1948 and continuing with the XK140 in
1954. By 1957 the XK design was looking a little dated, and
Jaguar had set new standards with the introduction of a monococque
design - the Jaguar Mk 1
the previous year. At the time it did not grab the world's
attention in the way that its predecessors had. However, in hindsight
it is recognized as the superb car it is, with more refinement than
any previous XK.
Although retaining the cut down MK V chassis, as before, the car
was updated in appearance by the fitment of a one piece curved
windshield, and (on the FHC) curved and larger rear window.
The wrap-around window look was "in" at the time. The curvature
of the line from front to rear fender was much straightened,
resulting in a heavier look, and the roadster model was fitted
for the first time with push button external door handles
and wind-up windows. For better drivability, disc brakes
were fitted, with servo assist, and soon after introduction,
new and more powerful engine options were made available.
At launch time only the coupes - the fixed and drop
heads were available, and the introduction of the roadster
model was delayed until 1958, when it, and the S models were
introduced.
(Note: Where there is more than once model choice, the specification
as installed in this project car is highlighted in red.)
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