1949 Jaguar XK120 Alloy-bodied Roadster

• One of only 240 alloy-bodied roadsters made
• Car number 18 of 57 with right-hand drive
• Matching numbers example
• Recent professional restoration with no expense spared (documented by a comprehensive history file)
• UK registration FAS 842

"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.

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. Ironically, the XK120's creation had only come about because delays in the gestation of the MkVII saloon had forced Jaguar to find an alternative method of bringing its new XK six-cylinder engine to public attention. 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.
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, hand built in the best Vintage tradition, would have to go and the XK120 was re-engineered in steel after 240 cars had been completed.

It's stunning appearance notwithstanding, the XK120 was conventional enough beneath the skin, being built on a separate chassis - in essence a shortened and narrowed MkV frame - featuring independent front suspension by means of wishbones and torsion bars, a live rear axle and drum brakes all round. The fact that the major mechanical components were already in existence meant that development centred on the body. The work of Jaguar boss William Lyons himself, and one of the most beautiful shapes ever to grace an automobile, the latter was conceived as a coachbuilt aluminium structure for the simple reason that Jaguar expected to sell no more than 200 XK120s in the first year!

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-litre six embodied the best of modern design, boasting twin overhead camshafts running in an aluminium-alloy cylinder head, seven main bearings, and a maximum output of 160bhp. When installed in the lightweight XK120, the result was a car with a phenomenal power-to-weight ratio and blistering performance. The '120' referred to the car's top speed, and Jaguar lost no time in demonstrating that this was no idle boast. Any doubts about the claim's veracity were swiftly banished when in May 1949, on the Jabbeke to Aeltre autoroute in Belgium, a standard X120 achieved a top speed of 126.4mph with hood and side screens erected, and 132.6mph minus its weather protection and equipped with an under-tray!

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 package which boosted power from the stock 160 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. From launch until the end of production in the autumn of 1954 the XK120's popularity never slackened, especially in overseas markets that took over 85 percent of total output. In the end a little over 12,000 XK120s were built, making every one of the 240 alloy-bodied roadsters something very special indeed.

The car offered here is one of the rare alloy-bodied roadsters built by Jaguar at the commencement of XK120 production. Car number '18' of 57 produced with right-hand drive, '660018' left the Jaguar factory on 11th November 1949 bound for Dominion Motors in Adelaide, Australia. Finished in Cream with Biscuit/Red leather interior and a Sand hood, '660018' is a beautiful and highly original example of what is recognised as one of Jaguar's most desirable models. The original build details are confirmed by the accompanying Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate.

This beautiful alloy XK120 was first owned by a Mr Ron Angas, who kept the car for many years before it was purchased by Jaguar collector, Dean Willis. In 1985 he sold the XK to the Clement family, who carried out extensive restoration work and showed the car at various events, winning multiple awards. The car changed hands in 1999, remaining with the new custodian for two decades, including a lengthy stint in Hong Kong. In 2017 the Jaguar returned to the UK, where marque specialists CMC UK were commissioned to carry out a full restoration to impeccable condition with no expense spared. Related invoices on file show that more than £240,000 was spent.

In 2021 this car was purchased by a prominent collector, joining his sizeable collection in Germany. The car retains its German registration, and during this period it has been driven, serviced and fastidiously maintained. All of the work carried out on this car, dating back to its original sale in 1949, is detailed in the comprehensive history file.

Resplendent in its original specification, and restored to the absolute highest standard, this Jaguar XK120 alloy-bodied roadster is presented in remarkable condition.