Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 12
1951 Jaguar XK120 Roadster Chassis no. 670636 Engine no. W1424-8
Sold for US$44,800 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 12
1951 Jaguar XK120 Roadster
1951 Jaguar XK120 Roadster
Chassis no. 670636
Engine no. W1424-8
Chassis no. 670636
Engine no. W1424-8
3,442cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
160bhp at 5,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
* Delivered new to Niagara Falls, New York
* Originally Birch Grey over Biscuit and Red, now Red over Black
* Retains its matching-numbers chassis and engine
* Offered with Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate
THE JAGUAR XK120
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, the resulting demand for what was then the world's fastest production car taking Jaguar by surprise.
Its stunning appearance notwithstanding, the XK120 was conventional enough beneath the skin, being built on a separate chassis featuring independent front suspension by means of wishbones and torsion bars, a live rear axle and drum brakes all round. The car's heart was, of course, the fabulous XK engine. Intended for Jaguar's post-war range-topping saloon, the 3.4-liter six embodied the best of modern design, boasting twin overhead camshafts running in an aluminum-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 XK120 set new standards of comfort, handling and performance for sports cars and in keeping with the Jaguar tradition there was nothing to touch it at the price. Coupe and Drophead Coupe versions followed, which provided the opportunity to offer a luxurious interior with copious amounts of wood veneer. Regardless of the type of bodywork, the XK120 was a genuine 120mph car capable of sustained high-speed cruising.
THE CAR OFFERED
This beautiful XK120 Roadster - or Open Two-Seater as officially called in the day - first roared to life inside Jaguar's Coventry facility on August 31st, 1950. Originally finished in Birch Grey over a Biscuit and Red interior and Frech Grey convertible top, this left-hand drive Roadster was destined for the American market to where it was dispatched on September 7th, 1950. Initially distributed by East Coast agent Max Hoffman in New York City, the car was sold to its first owner through Geo J Lenz Automobiles in Niagara Falls, New York.
Retaining its original engine, the Jaguar was subsequently restored and refinished in red. The black leather interior was retrimmed in 2015—including new hides, carpets, and dash—at a reported cost of $8,000, but no receipts are included. Driveability improvements include 12-volt electronics, uprated cooling system with an electric fan, and a set of new Firestone tires that were fitted in March of this year.
Documented by its Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate and a selection of service records, it is a lovely machine that would make a fine tour vehicle for its next lucky owner.
Additional information
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