LOT 43
1953 Jaguar XK120 Fixed Head Coupe Chassis no. 680921 Engine no. VA1851-8 (see text)
Estimate: US$110,000 - US$140,000
Lot 43
1953 Jaguar XK120 Fixed Head Coupe
1953 Jaguar XK120 Fixed Head Coupe
Chassis no. 680921
Engine no. VA1851-8 (see text)
Chassis no. 680921
Engine no. VA1851-8 (see text)
3,781cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
265bhp at 5,500rpm
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
*Finished in sharp Black over Black livery
*Equipped with upgraded 3.8 liter engine for increased performance
*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, 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
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 CAR OFFERED
This attractive Black Jaguar XK-120 Fixed Head Coupe is a beautiful example that has benefited from long-term, two-family ownership since new. This example had previously received some light service work, which included the addition of a rebuilt, replacement 3.8-liter XK engine to elevate the performance even higher. In recent years, it has been well kept by a Jaguar Club of Los Angeles member, who initially planned on performing some of the remaining restoration work himself, but recently decided to commission a marque specialist to complete the job. This Jaguar features white wall tires with matching spare, jack, dual mirrors on the fenders, freshly restored upholstery, as well as an extensive service and detail to the car's exterior, interior and engine bay.
The decidedly luxurious character of this Jaguar is heightened by its taut and attractive black leather upholstery, proper Smiths instruments and the visually striking restored burled wood interior trim. As few as 2,678 XK120 Fixed Head Coupes were produced between 1951-54, with the model featuring unforgettable styling and an exquisite touring-oriented cabin. Accruing very few miles since the restoration was completed, this coupe is ready to be driven and enjoyed. With its uprated engine, it would be an outstanding entry to any number of historic rallies, or simply parked where one can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of all this XK Fixed Head Coupe offers.
Additional information
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