Jaguar is a brand known around the globe for creating unparalleled premium sports cars, luxury sedans, and elite performance SUVs. This elegant, stylish, and powerful set of vehicles in the Jaguar lineup each boast their own unique features and specifications. One of the classics in this lineup is the Jaguar 420. Characterised by its blend of elegance, sportiness, and power, the Jaguar 420’s performance and panache largely comes from the heart of the car, its engine.
The Jaguar 420 was manufactured between 1966 and 1969. During this time, it was one of the most sophisticated and highly-regarded cars in the market. The grandeur of the Jaguar 420 is primarily attributed to its powerful engine.
The motor under the hood of the Jaguar 420 is a 4.2-litre XK Straight-6 engine. The XK series was an iconic line of engines produced by Jaguar that gained significant acclaim worldwide for their design and performance. A finely crafted piece of engineering, the 4.2-litre XK Straight-6 is a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) inline six-cylinder engine. This engine design is highly efficient, offering excellent power and torque with smooth and reliable running properties.
The 4.2-litre capacity of the engine means it can hold a vast volume of air-fuel mixture for combustion, increasing power output. This capacity, combined with two valves per cylinder, provides an impressive and exhilarating performance.
The Jaguar 420’s engine could deliver around 245 horsepower at 5500 r.p.m and close to 384 Nm of torque at 3750 r.p.m, which is a testament to the power and prowess of this iconic vehicle. Back in the late ’60s, this was one of the most powerful engines around, granting the car an excellent balance of performance, luxury, and reliability.
In terms of fuel supply, the 420 was well equipped with twin SU carburetors, known for their simplicity, reliability, and ability to deliver the right amount of fuel to the engine. With the engine mated to a three-speed automatic transmission, or optionally a four-speed manual transmission, the Jaguar 420 offered a smooth and responsive driving experience.
Beyond the raw numbers, the 420’s engine cemented its value in the vehicle’s overall driving dynamics. It provided an incredibly smooth ride, even at high speeds, and delivered the punchy acceleration that made it an enviable sports car during its time.
In conclusion, the Jaguar 420’s engine, the 4.2-litre XK Straight-6, was not just another piece of machinery under the hood. It was an integral component that defined the character of the 420, a representative of Jaguar’s engineering prowess. Performance-driven, robust, and reliable, this engine played a pivotal role in marking the Jaguar 420 as a true classic in the realm of luxury sports cars. No matter how many new models Jaguar produces, the 420, with its kind of engine, will always be a celebrated classic in the history of the automotive industry.