HEART OF A JAGUAR: JAGUAR CLASSIC’S DEVOTION TO THE XK ENGINE
At Jaguar Classic, decades-old skills blend with state-of-the-art engineering practices, applying exceptional precision to restore and care for legendary models. In this way, we are preserving our heritage to be enjoyed today, and by generations to come.
Part of what makes historic Jaguars special are the engines that bring them to life. In 2023 we celebrated 75 years of the legendary XK engine, an engine that has powered some of the most iconic Jaguar road and race cars ever created.
History of the XK engine
Designed in 1948 by engineer William Heynes, the XK engine was fitted to iconic Jaguars from the 1950s and 1960s. Its success on the racetrack saw it contribute to five Le Mans wins, powering both the C-type and D-type to landmark victories.
The XK engine made its debut in the Jaguar XK120 – the fastest car in the world at the time of its introduction in 1948. It quickly established itself as a legendary piece of automotive engineering and found its way into some of Jaguar’s most important cars including the XK150, MK2 saloon and E-type.
The XK engine enjoyed 30 years of production and made its last appearance in 1987, under the bonnet of the XJ6. During this time, its effortless refinement and power made it the perfect choice for both thoroughbred racers and luxurious limousines.
Reproduced to original specifications
A new, replacement XK block was unavailable for over 30 years, until – in 2020 – Jaguar Classic began to reproduce it as a special-order item, in response to demand from collectors across the world, as part of its commitment to preserving the very best classic Jaguar vehicles.
The availability of the new XK engine block means owners can maintain the originality and character of their vehicles with components built to original specifications by the experts at Jaguar Classic’s Ryton-on-Dunsmore facility. The cast iron block is created to exacting standards and serves as a direct replacement for the 3.8-litre six-cylinder units originally fitted to the XK150, XK150 S, Mk2, Mk10, E-type, and S-type (1963-1968).
The experts at Jaguar Classic have carefully incorporated adaptations to improve the XK engine for modern usage, while retaining its authenticity. Additions include wider water galleries – as per later XK engine blocks – for superior cooling, and improved efficiency and durability. The new C22250 3.8-litre engine block is designed to replace engine blocks with the following casting numbers:
C16020
C17567
C19292
C19983
C22290
C20012
C22250
As with all Jaguar Classic Genuine Parts, the XK engine block has gone through a meticulous testing and approval process for complete peace of mind. In the UK and Germany, it comes with a minimum two-year Jaguar parts and accessories warranty and a certificate of authenticity. Commissioning a Jaguar Classic XK engine block from Jaguar Classic ensures original manufacturer authenticity is retained.
Still going strong at Goodwood Revival
XK engines continue to achieve incredible race results today, including a dominant display at this year’s Goodwood Revival. First and second places in the RAC TT Celebration race went to E-types powered by an XK engine.
Other wins for the XK engine included first-place in the Sussex Trophy, with a C-type driven by Jenson Button and Alex Buncombe, and another victory, this time for a Jaguar D-type ‘long-nose’ driven by Chris Ward, in the Sussex Trophy. In the second St Mary’s Trophy Presented by Motul race, four of the top five finishing cars were Jaguar Mk1s powered by a 3.4-litre XK engine.
Available to order
Made to order in just 16 weeks, the new 3.8-litre Jaguar XK engine blocks are priced at £14,340, including VAT.
Retained authenticity
Subject to providing documentation which confirms proof of vehicle ownership, clients can choose to retain the serial number from their original engine block, which will be stamped on the new casting with an additional asterisk denoting the new block is a replacement item.
Alternatively, the new block can be stamped with a new, unique serial number.
Peace of mind
Every item can be purchased with confidence thanks to JLR’s standard aftermarket parts and accessories warranty, which lasts for two years in the UK and Germany, giving owners and collectors peace of mind with their cherished Jaguar vehicles.
To view the full parts catalogue available from Jaguar Classic, including further details and pricing, follow this link: https://parts.jaguarlandroverclassic.com/
