Jaguar made two updated versions of the original XK. Built 1954-57 was the slightly changed XK140 and then there was the restyled XK150 of 1957-1961 that was in turn replaced by the E-series Jaguar. I wrote about XK150 styling here.
The present post mostly focuses on greenhouse styling changes for those XK-series Jags -- "greenhouse" being stylist-speak for the roof and fenestration part of a closed car body. Jaguar used the term "Fixed Head Coupe" to refer to that body type.
In the Gallery below, examples of the three generations are shown in profile, followed by sequences of front and rear quarter views. Unless otherwise noted, images are of cars listed for sale.
This was William Lyons' original Fixed Head Coupe concept, the greenhouse a tight affair with a profile that appeared to tuck under at the rear. Actually, the tuck ended at a right angle to the aft tower body, but nevertheless the effect was striking and used on Mark VII sedans that also appeared for the 1951 model year.
The major visual change found on the XK140 was the passenger compartment enlarged towards the rear. The after side windows are noticeably enlarged, while the the roof curve does not extend around to the vertical, as in the XK120. The result was a more practical car that had a heavier appearance.
The 150's body was essentially new, being wider than previous XKs, though the aft end included some holdover material. The overall effect was of increased bulk: the grace of the XK120 design was lost.
The overall design is taut, lean and hungry like, well -- a jaguar. Many XK120s and some XK140s had spats covering the aft wheel openings. Of course they were impractical, but had the one virtue of enhancing the design's effect.
The larger, heavier greenhouse is apparent in the front quarter view. Another difference from the XK120 is the fewer, thicker grille bars.
Besides larger side windows, the really important change in the XK150s greenhouse was the curved, one-piece windshield. It was yet another visual-bulk enhancing detail.
Aft quarter view of a XK120 Fixed Head Coupe. The backlight window seems to be placed a little too low for good backing-up vision for the driver. However, it is positioned to suit the small rear-view mirror atop the dashboard.
Here, even given that the aft part of the top was re-profiled, the backlight looks to be a trifle higher. As for the general styling, this aspect the car appears more ponderous and less interesting than before.
XK150s received a much larger backlight. I think it's slightly too wide because the C-pillar seems too pinched. Losing two or so inches (5 cm) on each edge would have improved the design without seriously compromising outside vision.
Bonus shot: semi-overhead rear quarter view of the 1951 left-hand-drive prototype.
No comments:
Post a Comment