Jay Leno’s Garage, Jaguar XK 120

(Giving a long-distance “Good bye” to my dad’s Jaguar XK 120 today… the eBay deal is wrapping up as we speak, so here is a good XK 120 link:)

Jay Leno’s Garage, Jaguar XK 120

Have a look at Jay Leno’s website about cars. Especially the two Jaguar videos about the XK 120, with Jay talking and driving the Jag, and Bernard Juchli, Leno’s Mechanic, talking about the Jaguar’s mechanical aspects.

Some observations:

Jay & I think alike about one thing, the wonderful sound of the XK engine! “The car has a radio, but why listen to it when you can listen to that?” I agree. Sir William’s Sixth Symphony is such a joy to the ear of any car guy. You cannot really capture it with recording equipment. It must be experienced first hand. Sure there is the baritone rumble of the exhaust, but what you can’t hear except in the physical presence of the machine are the more subtle sections of the orchestra: The rustling of the cams. The XK’s chain-driven, flat-tappet, twin-cam head makes a wonderful synchronous rattle that adds a sort of woodwind to the thunderous exhaust note. Speaking of wind, there is also a distinct whistle to the air intake system. I can even here my alternator now and then. It all adds up to a very pleasing experience to the ear of the driver. To me that “road music” is a fundamental part of the vintage Jaguar sports car experience. I love it that (mostly) Jay just shuts up and lets that sound through. 😉 Not that I don’t enjoy hearing him talk now and then… especially about cars, but in this instance, the sound is more important than his words.

I also like that he rightly declared the XK as the English equivalent of the small-block Chevy engine to create a frame of historical reference for American car guys. It was a truly remarkable machine that powered an amazing range of vehicles through SIX DECADES of production. Starting in the 40s and finishing in the 90s, it powered race cars, limousines, sports cars, luxo-barges, sedans, saloons… even Armored Personnel Carriers and Tanks! A legendary engine, with very little known about it here in the US, despite the hundreds of thousands of them sold here. I’m always amazed at the wonder people express when I open the bonnet at a car show, or where ever… It is so unlike the squat V-config archetype of “engine” that most car guys have in their heads.

It is fitting today to find this link. My Dad’s old XK 120 will be on its way to Denmark soon, heading to its new home and caretaker. It will be missed.