Book excerpt: Jaguar’s series of XK sports cars used the remarkable twin overhead camshaft engine that was first exposed to the public in 1948 in the new XK120 two-seater, which took the motoring world by storm. For 1954 the XK120 was replaced by the mildly restyled XK140 model, with an increase in power, optional overdrive and a roomier cockpit. It was replaced in 1957 by the XK150. With disc brakes on all wheels, the option of engines up to 265bhp and a completely new body, the XK150 was an extremely competent performance car with more than a touch of glamour. This book opens with an exposition of the background to the introduction of the XK140, a key model because the XK120 was such a hard act to follow. Then comes a full technical analysis of the new car, covering all aspects of the chassis, running gear, engine and transmission. This sets the scene for the coverage of the XK150. Major production changes during the evolution of the two models are recorded, and production and sales worldwide are analyzed in depth. The author also provides information on prototypes and special-bodied cars.