Jaguar XK

120 OTS

1950 Jaguar XK120 Roadster
Chassis no. 670748
Engine no. W2112-8

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

*Beautifully presented in period-correct Silver over red livery
*Recent comprehensive restoration performed
*Retains matching numbers engine and cylinder head
*Offered with Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, tools and much paraphernalia

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 apace, Jaguar had no choice but to think again about 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! In conjunction with the Pressed Steel Fisher Company, a new all-steel paneled body was developed. The body retained the fabulous looks of the coachbuilt original, while differing in minor external details. Beneath the skin the steel car was entirely different, and it would take some twenty months of development before manufacture could begin.

The XK120's heart was, of course, the fabulous XK engine, which had been developed during the war and was intended for Jaguar's forthcoming Mark VII saloon. A 3.4-liter "six" embodying the best of modern design, it boasted twin overhead camshafts running in an aluminum-alloy cylinder head, seven main bearings, and a maximum output of 160bhp. It went into a chassis that was essentially a shortened version of the simultaneously announced Mark V saloon's, featuring William Heynes' torsion bar independent front suspension. Jaguar lost no time in demonstrating that the XK120's claimed top speed was no idle boast. In May of 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, handling, and performance for British sports cars and, in keeping with the Jaguar tradition, there was nothing to touch it at the price. Coupe and Drophead Coupe 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 MOTORCAR 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 September 20th, 1950. As an early production car, it features some desirable early-production details, and was really coming off the line not long after the first batch of alloy bodied XK120's was produced. Originally finished in black over a biscuit and red trimmed interior and gunmetal colored convertible top, this left-hand drive Roadster was destined for the US market and was dispatched to Hoffman Motor Car Company in New York in February of 1951. It has likely remained within the United States since.

The car is believed to have been bought new by a dentist in Miami, FL, and been in the care of just three owners since then. The XK was purchased by the consignor in 2008, and has since been treated to a comprehensive, nut-and-bolt restoration. During the meticulous process, the body was stripped and repainted in the period-correct silver color, while the chassis was refurbished as well. Engine, gearbox, and clutch systems were evaluated and restored, as was the electrical system, brightwork, and interior.

Today, this iconic sports car is beautifully presented inside and out. Under the bonnet, the original matching-numbers, 3.4-liter XK engine and 4-speed transmission give this XK120 performance on par with its striking looks. The silver paintwork nicely suits the sensuous curves of the body and accentuates the complimentary red leather interior. The bodywork is straight with good panel fitment and the paintwork has a lustrous shine. The minimal brightwork on this XK120 is in very good condition, as is the leather interior, which is nicely trimmed and shows minimal signs of wear. This XK120 is well-sorted throughout and ready to be enjoyed by its next owner, on spirited open-air drives, touring events, or car shows. It offers a great opportunity to acquire an engaging driver's car that is also beautiful and eligible for various driving events