Jaguar XK 120 Book Review: Win A Copy of the Remarkable History Of JWK 651

Here is another book review from our friends over at Porter Press – Jaguar Xk 120: The Remarkable History of Jwk 651.

Book Overview

Jaguar XK 120: The Remarkable History of JWK 651 tells the vivid story of one of the most significant racing Jaguars of the early 1950s. Chas Parker and Philip Porter dive deep into the life of chassis JWK 651. This is an alloy-bodied Jaguar XK 120 that left an indelible mark on motorsport history.

From gracing classic Mille Miglia and Le Mans races to breaking records with legendary drivers, this book is a tribute to a car that lived large on both road and track.

Published by Porter Press as the second title in its Exceptional Cars Series, the book is a 128-page hardback richly illustrated with period and studio photography, making it as much a visual treat as a historical account.

Readers who appreciate striking performance, style and racing pedigree will find this book both informative and inspiring.

Book Key Points

JWK 651 made a striking entry into competitive motorsport at the 1950 Mille Miglia, securing fifth place with drivers Leslie Johnson and John Lea. The result was admirable. This is especially so considering it was beaten only by top Ferraris and an Alfa Romeo.

At the 1950 Le Mans 24 Hours, this iconic Jaguar ran in second place after 15 hours and was closing on the leaders when a clutch failure dashed its chances. The drama and promise of that performance are captured with vivid clarity.

In the Tourist Trophy at Dundrod, Johnson helped secure a team prize for Jaguar, even when Stirling Moss was winning in a sister XK 120. It’s a reminder that the car’s story is not just about solo glory but collective achievement.

JWK 651 wasn’t confined to race tracks. At Montlhéry near Paris, Johnson and Moss averaged over 107 mph for 24 hours. Also, Johnson later pushed to 131.83 mph in a single hour, showcasing stamina and speed.

Beyond its glittering early years, the book navigates the car’s later roles – from rally stages at the RAC to the quieter chapters after competition life. These pages make grasping the full arc of this XK 120’s life easier and more engaging.

With more than 120 illustrations – including rare period shots and polished studio photography – the book draws readers into every era of JWK 651’s life.

The Authors

The expertise behind Jaguar XK 120: The Remarkable History Of JWK 651 is a big part of what makes this book compelling.

Chas Parker is a seasoned motorsport writer with a strong track record. His work spans numerous titles, including history books on classic Jaguar competition cars. His voice is clear and knowledgeable without being overly technical – ideal for both enthusiasts and casual readers alike.

Philip Porter wears two hats here: author and publisher. He’s written over 30 motoring books, many of them Jaguar-related. He has twice won the Montagu Trophy for best motoring book. His passion for Jaguar heritage is evident on every page.

Together, Parker and Porter deliver history with precision, context and a palpable love for the subject matter.

In Conclusion – Why You Should Read It

Jaguar XK 120: The Remarkable History Of JWK 651 is more than a car book. It’s a story of ambition, bravery and British engineering excellence. The narrative carries authority without alienating non-technical readers. The design choices, from photography to pacing, make it easy and delightful to read on phones, tablets or print. It stands out among classic car histories thanks to its focus on one car and its full competitive life.

If you love cars that are beautiful, powerful, stylish and historically significant, this book deserves space on your shelf. You can buy this book here, and get yourself a 10% discount with our discount code (Heaven10), and use this discount code for any Porter Press book.

Win A Copy Of Jaguar Xk 120: The Remarkable History of Jwk 651

To be in with a chance of winning a copy of this amazing book, you can enter in three different ways. Additionally, you’re welcome to enter through all three options to increase your chances!

1: Leave a comment below telling us what is your dream classic car and a daily classic car you’d love to own and why.

2: Follow us on Instagram, find our competition post, and follow the entry instructions.

3: Follow us on Facebook, find our competition post, and follow the entry instructions.

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