Classic Jag fan? Owner of an ‘XK’ engine you’re worried might go bang at any minute? Good news! More than half a century after its original forebear went out of production, Jaguar has now confirmed that the 3.8-litre ‘XK’ engine block is being put back into production.
Once used to power – deep breath! – the XK150, XK150 S, MkIX, Mk2, MkX, E-type Series 1 and the S-Type during the ‘50s and ‘60s, this marks the first time Jaguar will provide an ‘XK’ block from new for more than 50 years.
The brand-new cast iron block will be a direct replacement for broken engines and will be reproduced to original specifications of their period counterpart. Prices start from a not unreasonable £14,340 (around $17,800 USD), but bear in mind, potential customers will need to prove they already own a vehicle fitted with an ‘XK’ engine block before proceeding. They can also choose whether the new block retains the engine’s original serial number (with an asterisk confirming it to be a replacement) or have their new block stamped with a new unique serial number.
The revived ‘XK’ is also the latest project to be undertaken by Jaguar Classic following recent ‘Continuation’ examples of the D-Type and XKSS as well as the ‘reborn’ E-Type.
*Images courtesy of Jaguar Classic