Jaguar XK 120 Roadster, 1952
Chassis No.: 661039 Engine No.: W67888 Registration: 630 XUP The Jaguar XK120 was manufactured by Jaguar between 1948 and 1954 and was Jaguar's first post-war sports car which succeeded the SS 100 that ceased production in 1940. The XK120 was launched in roadster form at the 1948 London Motor Show as a test bed and show car for the new Jaguar XK six-cylinder engine. It caused a sensation, which persuaded William Lyons to put it into production and the "120" in its name referred to its 120 mph top speed, this made the XK120 the world's fastest standard production car at the time of its launch. It was available in two convertible versions; first as the roadster, then also as a drophead coupé from 1953 and as a closed fixed-head coupé from 1951. The DHC was a more deluxe model, featuring a beautiful wood dashboard and wood features on the door interiors. The XK120 was aimed primarily at the US market and the fixed-head coupé was constructed in relatively small numbers with approximately 2680 units produced (combined left and right hand drive) compared with approximately 7,614 roadsters. In late 1954 the XK120 was succeeded by the XK140 which benefitted from enhanced engineering to benefit the new model not only as a road going tourer, but as a serious motorsport contender. This absolutely fantastic example of this iconic sportscar from the Jaguar factory is presented in ‘glass like’ black with tan leather interior. It is powered by the ubiquitous 3.4 litre six-cylinder engine which sounds fabulous. This car was the subject of a restoration carried out by Jaguar specialists Guy Broad to Broadsport specification. Its bonnet louvered with a leather strap to the front and it has the rather attractive extra lamps adorning the front and the car is finished off with gleaming chrome wire wheels. It comes with a Jaguar Heritage Certificate which indicates it went to Singapore at some point in its life but this is a matching number genuine right hand drive example, which is even mentioned in the Jaguar XK120 book by Andre Clausaerr as a special hood car (Golden Brown) originally. In the history file there is evidence of the car’s ongoing maintenance carried out by the present owner since he bought the car seven years ago. This is or must be as close as one gets to a concours example having won various awards for excellence and it looks stunning today – a truly great investment, a great drive and credit to any collection. Consigned by James Good. https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/?lot=16962&au=84
