The Jaguar XK120 roadster concept stole the London Motor Show in 1948 with it's sweeping body, 160 horsepower XK engine and 120 mph top speed for which it was named. Eventually the XK120 had to be put into production, and became Jaguar's leading product. Later competition cars with XK engines won Le Mans outright in 1953, 55, 56 and 57. Throughout this victorious period, Jaguar upgraded the XK120 to XK140 specification, including more powerful engines and larger interior spaces. This culminated with the XK150, which reached 265 bhp in top form.
Of all the XK-powered Jaguars, very few received custom coachwork, and even less were bodied in Italy. However, Italian dealer Guido Modiano commissioned Zagato to rebody one of his XK140s which was damaged in an accident. During the reconstruction, Zagato was ordered to build the car to high standards which was reflected by it's fully suede interior. Modiano decided to showcase his 'XKZ' at the 1957 Paris Auto Salon. Afterwards a brochure was made up for Zagato XK150 conversions of which one car was completed and shown at the 1958 Geneva Auto Show. Unfortunately, the second car marked the end of the project, and within the coming years both Anglo-Italian Jags were lost, one never to return.
Decades later Scott Gauthier, found and bought the once lost ZK140 Zagato from a service garage in Florida. Restoration commenced in Italy and was completed in time for the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours. The car was powered by a 3442 cc XK Inline-6 engine that could produce 190 bhp @ 5500 rpm. Top speed was approx. 201 km/h / 125 mph. (supercars.net)
The Jaguar XK140 Zagato Coupe with a different front grill design.
Jaguar XK150 Zagato Coupe
According to the sales brochures, the Jaguar XK150 Zagato Coupe had an all steel integral body/ frame construction, light alloy panelling, wide panoramic windshield, large rear window, side-door windows, safety glass all round, two adjustable seats, leather upholstery and a luggage compartment. It would be powered by a 3.5 L (3,442 cc) 6-cylinder Jaguar XK engine that produced 210 bhp @ 5500 rpm. Top speed was 240 km/h /150 mph.
(Photos from forumducavallino.nuxit.net, autowp.ru, drive2.ru,
amyshorephotography.com, supercars.net & flaviendachet.blogspot.ca)
A 1954 factory version of the Jaguar XK140 Coupe
(Photos from boldride.com)
