1952 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

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 original color combination, Cream over Dark Red
*Comprehensive restoration performed over a 6 year period
*Retains the original, matching-numbers engine and transmission
*Best in show award at 2019 JCNA Concours, 2020 JCNA National 2nd place winner

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 May 20th, 1952. Equipped for the booming US sportscar market, the new Jaguar was delivered to the Hornburg dealership in Los Angeles as a left-hand drive car. The current owner of this Jaguar purchased the car around the end of 2011. Shortly thereafter, the car was treated to an elaborate 6-year long body off restoration which was performed by the author of both the JCNA Concours d'Elegance Judging Guide as well as the 322-page Jaguar XK120 Authenticity Reference Guide. The cars restoration is documented with photos from the start to finish as well as a complete list of receipts. Then in late 2020, further work was done to ensure the car is roadworthy and ready for its next owner, including complete transmission rebuild, brake work, fluids, as well as adjusting suspension, carburetors, timing, fixing any leaks, greasing all fittings and much more. A complete list of the recent work is available in the history file.

This XK120 Roadster presents beautifully throughout and is finished in the elegant original factory delivered color of Cream, while trimmed in a Dark Red leather interior with Fawn colored canvas top, tonneau cover and side curtains. Retaining its original, matching-numbers engine and transmission, 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. The car wears original 16-inch Dunlop RS5 road speed bias tires (for Concours use only) and comes complete with tools, jack, Jaguar Heritage Certificate as well as photos and receipts of the restoration. This XK120 was restored to the highest level of authenticity from everything including an original factory Emitron-Jaguar radio down to the Dunlop decals on the tires. A testament of the level of work put into this car was the recent Best in Show award with a score of 99.86 at the 2019 Jaguar Club of North America Concours in Golden, CO and 2020 JCNA XK10 Champion Class National second place winner. Surely a wonderful opportunity to own an XK120 as complete as this.