Collectors\' Motor Cars and Automobilia

MOTOR CARS | 189

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. Ironically, its creation had only come about because
delays in the gestation of the MkV00 saloon had forced Jaguar to find an
alternative method of bringing its new 3.4-litre XK six-cylinder engine to
public attention! 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, any doubts about that claim's
veracity being swiftly banished when a carefully prepared X120 achieved
126.4mph with hood and side screens erected and 132.6mph minus its
weather protection and equipped with an under-tray. In fact, 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 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.

Originally constructed as an open roadster with left-hand drive, chassis

number '672075' was completed on 24th April 1952 and despatched

to the dealer Hoffman in California, <SA. 0ts accompanying Heritage

Certificate confirms that engine number W4712- is original to this

chassis and reveals that the car was delivered finished in Dove Grey with

tan-piped biscuit interior and fawn soft-top.

0mported into the <K in 1992, the ?K was bought by the immediately

preceding owner in December 200. 0t is understood that the car was

treated to a full, body off restoration some 1 years ago by Bridport

Jaguar Restorations, including an engine rebuild. It seems reasonable

to assume that the conversion to right-hand drive was done at this

time. While with the previous owner, the interior was re-carpeted and

the leather replaced on the dashboard, doors, battery box and foot

wells. Other noteworthy features include the C-type cylinder head, full

wet weather equipment and a stainless-steel exhaust system with twin

tailpipes. Described by the private vendor as in generally good condition,

with excellent engine, the car is offered with a V5C document and bills

and photographs relating to its restoration.

£60,000 - 70,000

€69,000 - 81,000

164

1952 JAGUAR XK120 ROADSTER

Registration no. FEB 620

Chassis no. 672675

• Landmark Jaguar sports car


• Sold new in the USA


• Matching numbers


• Left- to right-hand drive conversion


• Restored in the late 1990s/early 2000s