Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 108
1953 Jaguar XK120 Roadster Chassis no. 673083 Engine no. W6450-8 (see text)
Sold for US$50,400 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 108
1953 Jaguar XK120 Roadster
The Audrain Auction|3 October 2025, 16:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
1953 Jaguar XK120 Roadster
Chassis no. 673083
Engine no. W6450-8 (see text)
Chassis no. 673083
Engine no. W6450-8 (see text)
3,442cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Twin SU carburetors
160bhp at 5,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension, Rear Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Delivered new to California
*Nicely kept and elegantly presented
*An excellent choice for rallies and tours
*Offered with JDHT Heritage Certificate
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, Jaguar had no choice but to rethink 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! Consequently, a new all-steel paneled body was developed, retaining the fabulous looks of the coachbuilt original.
The XK120's heart was the fabulous XK engine, a 3.4-liter 'six' embodying the best of modern design. It boasted twin overhead camshafts running in an aluminium-alloy cylinder head, seven main bearings and a maximum output of 160bhp. Jaguar lost no time in demonstrating that the XK120's claimed top speed was no idle boast. In May 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, roadholding and performance for British sports cars and, in keeping with the Jaguar tradition, there was nothing to touch it at the price. Coupé and drophead coupé 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 CAR OFFERED
A delightful example of Jaguar's 'OTS', or open two-seater, this left-hand-drive XK120 was completed on October 28, 1952, and dispatched November 3 of the same year to Los Angeles, California based distributor Charles Hornburg. The Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate on file does not record the first owner's name but does verify the original matching-numbers engine block (a later "B" type head is installed—offering a bit more power than the factory original head would have). As new, the XK120 was finished in Brich Grey over Red leather with a Fawn soft top.
The early history of the Jaguar is not documented but receipts of file from 2018 and 2019 document over $20,000 in work. In 2018, an interior kit was installed including replacement red seat leather, foam, carpeting, insulation, and door cards – door pull straps, and some other trim pieces were later fitted in May of this year. Also completed in 2018 was electrical work, including a new wiring harness. In 2019, the car was disassembled, stripped, and repainted Old English White while separately work was completed on the cooling system including replacement of the radiator and thermostat following the car boiling over (it is reported that no internal damage occurred but a leak in the coolant system was found). The next year the crankshaft pulley was replaced. In the current ownership, work completed on the car this year includes serving the brake system, replacing the headlights, and refinishing the rear wheel spats. A top or side curtains are not currently included with the car – not that either of those items keep one very dry when installed in a rainstorm.
The look is graceful, as befits an XK120 - original steel wheels with hubcaps and spats give this car the purest expression of the XK120s sensuous lines. Additional features include Luca's tri-bar head lights and driving lights, while the original jack is also present. The vendor reports that he has enjoyed driving this Jaguar, in which he has taken obvious and well-deserved pride of ownership. A popular choice for vintage touring events, and a timeless design that needs no introduction, here is a usable and very well-presented XK120 Roadster that will provide many thrills for its next long-term keeper.
Footnotes
This Jaguar is titled under its engine number.
Saleroom notices
Please note that this vehicle does not include a jack.
Additional information
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