Jaguar Big Cats

Launched in 1952, the Jaguar Mk VII was purpose-built for the new XK straight-six engine. Like similar models from Rolls-Royce and Bentley, the Mk VII was a large and stately car but its ingenious design, including an independent front-suspension chassis, made it surprisingly lively on the road. As this book shows, the Mk VII and Mk VII M went on to achieve considerable success in motor racing, including a win at Monte Carlo and five successive wins at Silverstone, driven by racing legends such as Stirling Moss and Mike Hawthorn. In later years, the Big Cats would achieve similar successes in classic saloon car racing.

Jaguar enthusiast Anthony Lumley also covers the later versions of the cars, which saw improvements in performance from the larger 3.8 XK engine, all-round disc brakes and power-assisted steering. Based on his own considerable experience as a car restorer, the author provides useful tips on restoration and maintenance as well as providing details of special editions, including Radford conversions, convertibles and limousines.