Jaguar XK 120 Explored

never opened, never used, still in original plastic - second hand book on consignment sal - ISBN: 9781908658005 , Author: Bernard Viart, Foreward: Paul Skilleter

Companion volume to XK 140 Explored.

This really quite extraordinary book from Bernard Viart records every detail for both LHD and RHD models and all body styles of this popular Jaguar sports car of the 1950s. The text is in English, having been translated from Bernard Viart's original French by experts.

Absolutely invaluable for both professional and amateur restorers – identify what should be where and what's missing!

All types of XK120 are covered, starting with the aluminium-bodied Open Two Seaters and their wood frames, and moving on to the production steel-bodied Roadsters (early and late types), then the Fixed Head and Drop Head Coupes.

The cars are dissected by means of some 2,500 individual drawings in some 413 plates, most in colour, and almost every part, nut, bolt and washer is shown - and, of vital importance, where they are located on the car. These books make it far more practical to buy and restore a disassembled or incomplete XK, because Bernard Viart provides these vital visual references to what every part looks like and where it should go, including all the wiring in colour. Even if you won't be restoring an XK 120, this book gives an absolutely unique analysis of how the XK 120 was made and assembled. 

In addition to the drawings, conventional chapters provide a full description of the car and its production and competition career, plus special bodied examples. The evolution of the XK engine which powered it is also told in detail. All chapters are profusely illustrated with superb period photographs and literature. Many of these illustrations will be unfamiliar even to the expert. 

The book is of the highest quality as regards printing and paper (the latter from accredited sources), and is available in standard and slip-cased leather bound form (the latter limited to 120 copies only). Prices are £110 for the Standard Edition and £175 for the Leather Bound Edition, both plus Shipping. Availability will be November 2012.

Main Contents 

Chapters:

• Foreword by Paul Skilleter
• A tribute by Bernard Viart
• History and pre-history
• The XK engine
• Earls Court 1948
• OTS styling and design
• The prototype
• Technical description
• Colours
• Production history
• Racing
• Press comments
• Weights

The Plates:

• Data
• Chassis frame
• Suspension and brakes
• The engine
• Carburettors and fuel system
• Transmission, wheels and tyres
• The electrics
• Accessories
• Body
• Hood and trim
• Tools
• Extras

Portfolios:

• XK 120 and Jabbeke
• XK 120 and Montlhery
• Early competition
• Production
• The Fixed Head Coupe
• The Drop Head Coupe
• Exhibiting worldwide
• Competition
• One-offs
• The XK 120 and the celebs
• Indices