In the fall of 1948, one car created a sensation at the Earl’s Court Motor Show. This was the all-new Jaguar XK-120 roadster. Intended as a limited production, public reaction thrust it into full production. It was soon to hit both the racetracks and roads. In places such as Le Mans, it proved the car had more than wheels; it had speed. Fitted out with a six-cylinder twin-cam engine, it could go from 0 to 60 mph in 10 seconds. Its top speed was 125 mph.
1948 to 1954
In all 12,061 XK-120s were built. The majority made it to the American market where individuals from Philadelphia to Houston bought. It began what became a love affair between the American market and Jaguar. This ended when the XK-140 replaced the XK-120 in 1954.
1954 to 1961
A successor to the XK-120, the XK-140 sports car featured more power, larger interior space, improved brakes, tighter handling and telescopic shock absorbers. It had big tires to fill but further increased the popularity of the brand. However, it, too, fared a brief production life. Built between 1954 and 1957, it was replaced by the XK-150 which improved upon the previous two XK models while introducing a very different style and performance. It was replaced in 1961 by the E-type or XKE.
The Jaguar XK
The XK models were the start of everything for the company. They established it as a player. They also created the image we have today of the company – fast, sleek and luxurious.
Cherry Hill Imports Auto Group provides the closest option in Jaguar dealers in Philadelphia area. We offer a full line of Jaguar vehicles, including new, used, and certified pre-owned cars and SUVs.
