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XK120 SE Roadster
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  Jaguar XK120 SE Roadster      

  Article Image gallery (9) Specifications  
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Country of origin:Great Britain
Produced from:1951 - 1954
Predecessor:Jaguar XK120 Roadster
Author:Wouter Melissen
Last updated:Before December 1st, 2004
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Click here to download printer friendly versionWith the production finally underway, it was time to expand the line-up and in 1951 two distinctly different models were added. First up was the beautiful fixed-head coupe version that was reminiscent of the great designs of the 1930s. The other was a proper competition version, first known as the XK120 C, but today generally referred to as the C-Type. Although sharing the XK-engine with the production, the C-Type was an XK120 in name only as it featured a unique tubular chassis and aluminium body. It easily eclipsed the racing successes of the aluminium XK120s with two Le Mans victories. A final edition to the XK120 line-up was a more luxurious drop-head coupe.

At the end of the XK120 production run, the high compression 180 bhp competition engine was offered in the 'SE' (Special Equipment) model. A 190 bhp version of this engine was standard equipment in the XK140 launched in 1954. At first glance it was very similar to its predecessor, but closer inspection revealed changes to most chrome parts like the grill and bumpers. The handling was greatly improved by the adoption of rack-and-pinion instead of the recirculating ball used in the XK120. A 210 bhp C-Type derived engine was available as an option. As before the small sportscar was available as a roadster and a fixed and drop head coupe.

In 1957 a third and final evolution of the very successful XK model was launched; the XK150. Again it was more powerful, heavier and better equipped than its predecessor. The slightly more spartan roadster model was dropped altogether. In the XK150 S model the 3.4 litre engine reached its peak power of 250 bhp with a 9.0:1 compression ratio and a triple SU setup. The final version featured the D-Type derived 3.8 litre, which produced 265 bhp. After being produced for over a decade, the XK finally each the end of the line in 1961, but found a very worthy replacement in the E-Type.

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  Article Image gallery (9) Specifications