Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 19
1953 Jaguar XK120 Fixed Head Coupe Chassis no. 680959 Engine no. W7889-8
Sold for US$53,760 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 19
1953 Jaguar XK120 Fixed Head Coupe
1953 Jaguar XK120 Fixed Head Coupe
Chassis no. 680959
Engine no. W7889-8
Chassis no. 680959
Engine no. W7889-8
3,442cc Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
160bhp at 5,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Beautifully presented example of the iconic XK120 Fixed Head Coupe
*Matching numbers engine and head per Heritage certificate
*Showcases sinuous lines, two-tone red and Burgundy livery
*Benefits from continuous development, including advanced features like a Salisbury rear axle and self-adjusting brakes.
THE CAR OFFERED
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, the XK120 was 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-coachbuilt passenger car to date, and very much resembles some of the best lines of Jean Bugatti's Type 57 Atalante masterpiece.
The XK120 was also the basis of Jaguar's racing dynasty and the early mount for many future driving legends including Stirling Moss and Phil Hill. In various tune levels, Jaguar's 'XK' engine famously propelled Jaguar's XK 120 C, C-Type, and D-Type sports racers to international racing dominance, including five Jaguar wins (1951, 1953, 1955-57) at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
This 1953 left-hand-drive coupe, manufactured in March 1953, is a remarkable example of the iconic Jaguar XK120. It was originally delivered to Hoffman in New York and featured a pastel blue color. Benefiting from an older restoration, this XK120 coupe now showcases a striking two-tone red and burgundy livery, beautifully accentuating its sinuous lines and exuding timeless elegance.
With the benefit of an older restoration, this XK120 coupe combines the timeless elegance of its design with the charm of a well-preserved classic. It stands as a testament to Jaguar's heritage, showcasing the brand's commitment to crafting exceptional automobiles. Whether cruising along scenic routes or displayed at prestigious events, this XK120 coupe offers a captivating blend of style, performance, and heritage.
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