The famous XK inline 6-cylinder DOHC engine was produced by Jaguar Cars between 1949 and 1992 and is now 75 years old.
The XK came about following the desire of William Lyons the co-founder in 1922 of the Swallow Sidecar Company, which became Jaguar Cars Limited after the Second World War, to create a sporty saloon that could reach 100mph.
The required power unit was produced, and the intended car was to be presented at the all-important 1948 London Motor Show. However, the car remained unfinished with just over a month to go before the show. In those circumstances the Jaguar team quickly put together a special show car which took the world by storm. This was of course the beautiful XK120, and it went on to become the most popular sports car in the world.
The XK engine did not only go on to power some very desirable sports saloon cars, but also some very successful outright race cars. Significantly, victory was achieved on several occasions in the day at the famous Le Mans 24 Hours in XK120Cs, C-types and D-types.
Of particular note, the iconic Jaguar E-type, described by Enzo Ferrari as the most beautiful car in the world, was also powered by the XK engine. Along with the XK120s, C-types and D types, the E-type is to this day still a regular and successful entrant in historic racing worldwide. It has also powered other makes of race cars including Cooper, HWM, Lister and numerous “kit” cars. It has also defeated the 12-cylinder engines of both Ferrari and Maserati on track.
Jaguar produced the XK engine until 1992, and anyone lucky enough to own a car powered by this engine would be in possession of what would now be regarded as a true classic.
One wonders if William Lyons would have thought that this beautiful engine would be in such successful production for 43 years!