Jaguar XK 120: The Remarkable History of JWK 651 (Exceptional Cars, 2) (Exceptional Cars Series) - Hardcover

Parker, Chas; Porter, Philip

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1907085564 ISBN 13: 9781907085567

Publisher: Porter Press, 2016

Synopsis

This book tells the story of one of the six alloy-bodied XK 120s that were prepared by Jaguar in 1950 for racing and rallying.

This one, known as JWK 651 because of the registration number, was owned by Leslie Johnson and raced by him in some of the most prestigious events of the time, including the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Mille Miglia (twice) and the Tourist Trophy at Dundrod.

Beyond that, Johnson and up-and-coming racing driver Stirling Moss visited the speed bowl at Montlhery for a record-breaking attempt, and Johnson also took part in the RAC Rally.

In 1950, the car lay in second place in the Le Mans 24 Hours after 15 hours and was gaining on the leaders when the clutch failed.

Besides this diverse and distinguished period competition career, the book tells the story of the later life of this most significant XK 120. The book includes a wealth of period photographs as well as a portfolio of magnificent studio images

About this title

About the Author:

Chas Parker has written a number of books about motorsport, including Haynes Manuals for the D-type Jaguar and Bugatti Type 35 and others. He was short-listed, together with co-author Philip Porter, for the 2017 RAC Motoring Book of the Year Award for his book on the 1953 Le Mans-winning C-type Jaguar.

Philip Porter has written about 30 motoring books, twice winning the Montagu Trophy for best motoring book of the year. A lifelong motor racing enthusiast, that enthusiasm was largely fired by Stirling Moss. Like so many young boys in the fifties, he was Philip’s absolute hero. As a consequence, Philip began successfully competing in motor sport while still at school. He began acquiring classic sports cars long before it became a boom and owns 9600 HP, the oldest E-type in existence. This led to some motoring journalism among his busy business career. He later satisfied his competitive spirit with flying hot air balloons and airships, winning the silver medal at the 1991 European Airship Championships. In 1992 he became the first person ever to fly an airship in Africa. He is Chairman of the Sherlock Holmes Society and an active member of the Jerome K. Jerome Society. In 1997 he and his wife Julie founded the International Jaguar XK Club and in 2004 they started the Jaguar E-type Club. Philip edits both monthly magazines and Sir Stirling is Patron of the XK Club. Philip and Julie live in a Tudor farmhouse in Worcestershire and have their offices in an adjoining thatched barn.

About this edition

• Publisher: Porter Press
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1907085564
• ISBN 13: 9781907085567
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 120