1952 Jaguar XK120 Fixed Head Coupe

3,442cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
160bhp at 5,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle
Front Disc - Rear Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Beautifully restored example of the iconic XK120 Fixed Head Coupe
*Matching numbers and presented in its classic as-delivered British Racing Green color
*Delivered new to Hornburg Jaguar Los Angeles and offered with Heritage Trust Certificate
*One of the most timeless and beautiful Jaguar models ever produced


THE JAGUAR XK120

Told by the post-war Attlee government to "export or die", the British motor industry responded valiantly, none more so than Jaguar Cars, soon to become the UK's biggest US-dollar earner thanks in no small measure to the success of its XK120 sports car. 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.

Its striking appearance notwithstanding, the XK120 was conventional enough beneath the skin, being built on a separate chassis, featuring independent front suspension by means of wishbones and torsion bars, a live rear axle, and large hydraulic drum brakes in all four corners. The car's heart was, of course, the fabulous XK engine. Conceived in wartime and intended for Jaguar's post-war range-topping saloon, the 3.4-liter straight-six embodied the best of modern design, boasting twin overhead camshafts running in an aluminum cylinder head, seven main bearings, and a maximum output of 160bhp matched by endless torque.

The body was the work of Jaguar boss William Lyons himself - and widely considered one of the most beautiful shapes ever to grace an automobile - it was conceived as an aluminum structure for the simple reason that Jaguar expected to sell no more than 200 XK120 Roadsters - or Open Two Seater (OTS) - in the first year! The exquisitely beautiful and well-balanced Fixed Head Coupe (FHC) soon followed, and it remains one of the most celebrated closed Coupe designs done on a non-coachbuild passenger car to date, and very much resembles some of the best lines of Jean Bugatti's Type 57 Atalante masterpiece.

The XK120 set new standards of comfort, roadholding, performance and styling for British sports cars and, in keeping with Jaguar tradition, there was nothing to touch it at the price.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This gorgeous British Racing Green XK120 Fixed Head Coupe was completed at the Jaguar Works on July 2nd, 1952 as a factory left hand drive example, and dispatched sixteen days later to US West Coast Jaguar distributor Charles Hornburg, Jr. in Los Angeles, California. Originally finished as today in the classic British Racing Green exterior color yet with tan hides, the elegant and sporty Jaguar is believed to have remained in California since new. A comprehensive restoration was performed about seven years ago, and upon close inspection it is evident that the paint is in great condition and that the work performed throughout the car was done to a very high standard. To add to the driving experience, a set of large period-correct driving lights were fitted along with front disc brakes (although the original drum brakes are accompanying the sale of the car) and a stainless-steel exhaust tugged up underneath the chassis.

Today this classic XK Fixed Head Coupe shows beautifully throughout and is reported to run and drive very well. The elegance is also evident on the inside where medium green leather hides invite, along with deeply polished walnut wood dash treatments and a proper wood-rimmed steering wheel to hang onto. The aforementioned Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate on file confirms that the car retains its original engine block and cylinder head.

With its stunningly designed bodywork sporting a lovely professional restoration, this powerful XK120 Fixed Head Coupe would be a great entry to any number of historic rallies, or simply parked where one can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the original, un-altered XK Fixed Head Coupe design.