LOT 69
1952 Jaguar XK120 Roadster Chassis no. 671845 Engine no. W4119-8
Estimate: US$120,000 - US$150,000Lot to be sold without reserve
Lot 69
1952 Jaguar XK120 Roadster Chassis no. 671845 Engine no. W4119-8
1952 Jaguar XK120 Roadster
Chassis no. 671845
Engine no. W4119-8
Chassis no. 671845
Engine no. W4119-8
3,442cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
160bhp at 5,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Beautifully presented in period-correct, Old English White over Biscuit livery
*Comprehensive restoration performed by XK's Unlimited and White Post Restorations
*Retains the original, matching-numbers engine
*Eligible for some of the most exclusive driving events around the Globe
THE JAGUAR XK120
"We claimed 120 mph (for the XK 120), a speed unheard of for a production car in those days." - William Heynes, Chief Engineer, Jaguar Cars.
Conceived and constructed in but a few months, the XK120 debuted at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show where the stunning-looking roadster caused a sensation. The resulting demand for what was then the world's fastest production car taking Jaguar by surprise. With orders rolling in apace, Jaguar had no choice but to think again about the XK120's method of construction. The work of Jaguar boss, William Lyons himself, and one of the most beautiful shapes ever to grace a motor car, the body had been conceived as a coachbuilt, aluminum paneled structure for the simple reason that Jaguar expected to sell no more than 200 XK120s in the first year! In conjunction with the Pressed Steel Fisher Company, a new all-steel paneled body was developed. The body retained the fabulous looks of the coachbuilt original, while differing in minor external details. Beneath the skin the steel car was entirely different, and it would take some twenty months of development before manufacture could begin.
The XK120's heart was, of course, the fabulous XK engine, which had been developed during the war and was intended for Jaguar's forthcoming Mark VII saloon. A 3.4-liter "six" embodying the best of modern design, it boasted twin overhead camshafts running in an aluminum-alloy cylinder head, seven main bearings, and a maximum output of 160bhp. It went into a chassis that was essentially a shortened version of the simultaneously announced Mark V saloon's, featuring William Heynes' torsion bar independent front suspension. Jaguar lost no time in demonstrating that the XK120's claimed top speed was no idle boast. In May of 1949, on the Jabbeke to Aeltre autoroute, an example with its hood and side screens in place recorded a speed of 126mph and 132mph with the hood and windscreen detached and an under-tray fitted.
The XK120 set new standards of comfort, handling, and performance for British sports cars and, in keeping with the Jaguar tradition, there was nothing to touch it at the price. Coupe and Drophead Coupe versions followed, and for customers who found the standard car too slow, there was the Special Equipment (SE) package which boosted power to 180bhp. With either engine, and regardless of the type of bodywork, the XK120 was a genuine 120mph car capable of sustained high-speed cruising.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This elegant and classic Jaguar XK120 was completed at the legendary Coventry-based Browns Lane Jaguar factory on January 28th, 1952. Equipped for the booming US sportscar market, the new Jaguar was delivered to distributor Max Hoffman in New York shortly thereafter, as a left-hand drive car. Although the Jaguars early history remains undocumented, it is known to have enjoyed single family ownership for more than 30 years. The Jaguar has always been kept in good order and maintained regardless of use. During the mid-2000s, this 1952 Jaguar XK120 Roadster had documented restoration work done by the renowned Jaguar specialist at XKs Unlimited in San Luis Obispo, California. Then in 2012, further documented restoration work was done by White Post Restorations of Virginia. Over the past several years, this XK120 has been professionally maintained by Autosport Designs, Inc. Huntington Station, New York.
This XK120 Roadster presents beautifully throughout finished in the elegant and appropriate, period-correct Old English White color, while trimmed in a Biscuit-colored, Connolly leather interior. Retaining its original, matching-numbers engine, this impressive XK120 Roadster comes fully serviced and ready for immediate concours or touring use. It is eligible for some of the world's foremost vintage rallies and remains one of the most collectible British cars built do date.
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