1951 Jaguar XK120 3.8-Litre Roadster

• Present family ownership since 1960 - 64 years
• Dry stored for some 30 years
• Professionally restored in 1997-1999
• 3.8-litre XK engine upgrade
• Front disc brakes conversion

"We claimed 120mph (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 just a few months, the XK120 debuted at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show where the stunning looking roadster caused a sensation. Conceived as a low-volume model, the XK120 proved considerably more popular than expected, the resulting demand for what was then the world's fastest production car taking Jaguar by surprise. It was immediately obvious that the ash-framed alloy coachwork would have to go and the body was swiftly re-engineered in steel.

The '120' referred to the car's top speed, which was confirmed when a carefully prepared example achieved 126.4mph with hood and side screens erected and 132.6mph minus its weather protection and equipped with an under-tray. This XK with its race configuration has been speed tested to 140mph and stops due to its front disc brakes. The XK120 set new standards of comfort, roadholding and performance for British sports cars and, in keeping with the Jaguar tradition, there was nothing to touch it at the price. From launch until production ended in 1954, its popularity never slackened, especially in overseas markets that took over 85% of total output.

Chassis number '660480' is one of 1,175 right-hand drive examples built out of a total of 7,612 roadsters built in 1950 and first registered January 1951. The car was supplied by Henlys London with the original registration LXR 895 in Cream with Biscuit & Red Trim (the same as it is today). The car has belonged to our vendor's family since his uncle purchased it in Richmond in 1960. The Jaguar had previously been raced at Silverstone. It was restored in the 1960s, re-registered as 'VR 78', and used as a daily driver as well as undertaking trips abroad. There are many photographs on file of the car taken during those years. In the 1975 the XK was taken off the road and placed in dry storage in London.

Following the vendor's uncle's retirement, the car was completely restored to original specification by CooperCraft from 1997-1999 and then used for 20 years for exhibition at Car shows, winning various awards. A 3,781cc Jaguar Mk2 engine had been purchased from a 1963 car (JEX 944) in the 1970s as a spare, and this was installed during the restoration. Coopers also fitted a front disc brake conversion. The car is dry stored and a reliable daily runner following recent service/renewal of suspension bushes, brakes, ignition and hoses. It would make a fantastic car for Mille Miglia given its age and ability to cover miles at speed. Related bills are on file and the car also comes with a Heritage Certificate, a V5C document, a workshop manual, and spares. It should be noted that the registration 'VR 78' is being retained by the vendor and the car will be supplied with an age related registration number.