Engine Family
Jaguar XK Straight-Six (XK6)
Jaguar XK Straight-Six EngineSpecs, Reliability& Replacement Cost
The Jaguar XK straight-six is a legendary DOHC inline-six that powered Jaguar for over four decades - robust and characterful, but timing chain tensioners and carburettor setup need careful attention. Backed by real UK enquiries in 2025.
Enquiries
20+ Models Fitted
/100 Engine Score
Part of Engine Finders
Jaguar XK Straight-Six (XK6)
Engine Overview
All the essential specifications, performance data, and compatibility information at a glance.
Engine Family
Jaguar XK Straight-Six (XK6)
Fuel
Petrol
Configuration / Displacement
DOHC inline-6, 2.4L / 3.4L / 3.8L / 4.2L
Power Range
133–265 HP (depending on displacement & induction)
Years Produced
1949–1992
Models Fitted (Jaguar only)
20+ models
Cross-Brand Fitment
Exclusive to Jaguar (also military: Alvis, Daimler)
Overall Engine Score
-/
★★★★☆
Verdict & Rating
Rating:
4
out of 5
85% confidence - based on historical production data and specialist rebuild reports.
The XK straight-six is one of the great British engines - durable and rebuildable, but tensioner wear and carburettor setup need specialist care - buy with documented rebuild history.
Engine Score breakdown:
DimensionScore (of 20)
Reliability
4.0★ × 4
16 /20
Repair Cost
Reconditioned supply midpoint falls in £5,000–£6,999 band
12 /20
Repairability
Robust design; most failures are rebuildable rather than catastrophic
16 /20
Parts Supply
Specialist parts available but not off-the-shelf; growing remanufacturing support
12 /20
Replacement Economics
Reconditioned cost ~30–44% of lowest classic host-vehicle value
16 /20
Total Engine Score
72 / 100
Best for:
Classic Jaguar enthusiasts who appreciate a robust, characterful engine and don't mind specialist maintenance.
Avoid if:
You're looking for a modern, low-maintenance daily driver or don't have access to a specialist.
Compatible Jaguar Models
Jaguar XK Straight-Six (XK6) engines are fitted across 20+ models from 1949–1992.
Jaguar Exclusive Engine
This is an exclusive Jaguar engine. No cross-platform sharing.
1949
43 Years of Production
1992Other Jaguar Models
XK Straight-Six (XK6) also appears in limited variants and markets.
Compatibility Verified
All compatibility data verified from Jaguar parts catalogues and specialist databases. [JAGUAR-VERIFIED]
Exclusive to Jaguar (also military: Alvis, Daimler)
Jaguar XK Straight-Six (XK6)Engine Price Guide
All prices are estimates from UK specialists [JAGUAR-QUOTE]
Fitting a Jaguar XK straight-six typically takes 14–20 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent specialist) - classic Jaguar specialists like Guy Broad or P&K Thornton are recommended.
(Exclusive mode – no cross-link)
USED
Supply Only
£2,500–£4,500
Fitted (Indie)
£3,500–£5,500
3–6 months
RECONDITIONED
Supply Only
£5,000–£7,500
Fitted (Indie)
£6,000–£9,000
12 months
REBUILT
Supply Only
£7,000–£10,000
Fitted (Indie)
£8,500–£12,000
12–24 months
Compare Prices from UK specialists
Get live pricing from 20+ trusted engine suppliers.
Jaguar XK Straight-Six (XK6)Engine Price Guide
All prices are estimates from UK specialists
[JAGUAR-QUOTE]
USED
Supply Only
£2,500–£4,500
Fitted (Indie)
£3,500–£5,500
Warranty
3–6 monthsRECONDITIONED
Supply Only
£5,000–£7,500
Fitted (Indie)
£6,000–£9,000
Warranty
12 monthsREBUILT
Supply Only
£7,000–£10,000
Fitted (Indie)
£8,500–£12,000
Warranty
12–24 monthsFitting a Jaguar XK straight-six typically takes 14–20 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent specialist) - classic Jaguar specialists like Guy Broad or P&K Thornton are recommended.
(Exclusive mode – no cross-link)
Frequently Asked Questions
Expert answers to the most common Jaguar XK Straight-Six (XK6) engine questions.
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