MOTOR CARS | 119The car offered here is a re-creation of the works XK120s built
for the 1951 Le Mans 24-Hour Race. In 1951 William Lyons gave
instructions for the creation of three very special XK120s to be raced
at Le Mans. He was doubtful the completely new C-Type Jaguar
would be ready in time, hence these as an insurance policy. The cars
had lightweight alloy bodies and a subtly altered shape: outer sills
and cut-down doors, one piece rear, cut-in bonnet, aero screens,
etc. Numbered ‘LT1’, ‘LT2’ and ‘LT3’, they never raced at Le Mans
as the C-Types were ready in time. Charles Hornburg, the US Jaguar
importer for the USA’s West Coast, spotted two of the cars at
Browns Lane, bought them and shipped them to the USA where Phil
Hill drove one in its first race in August 1951 to 3rd place overall and
a class win.
Chassis number ‘671751’ was manufactured on 31st October 1951
as a left-hand drive export model and dispatched to Hornburg in
Beverly Hills, California. The car was re-imported from Alabama, USA
in September 1989 and treated to a long-term restoration, which
was only completed in 2011. Original parts needed for the rebuild
were painstakingly collected over 15 years. The chassis was rebuilt
by John Wood of Bridport before the decision was taken to build an
exact replica of the alloy-bodied ‘LT’ Le Mans cars.
Aubrey Finburgh of Classic Autos, Kings Langley faithfully recreated
the one-piece aluminium body, which was mounted on a tubular
steel ‘birdcage’ inner frame. The XK120 was then taken to Steve
Grimsley of Phoenix Car Restoration - a many times winner of Jaguar
XK concours awards - where no expense was spared to build the
perfect car, a process that would take the next ten years. Noteworthy
features include a newly rebuilt ‘C’ type engine, cast SU carburettors,
overhauled running gear, rewired electrics, front brake air scoops,
rebuilt original instruments, new Avon Roadspeed tyres, etc, etc.Now right-hand drive, ‘671751’ was duly registered in the UK on 3rd
November 2010 with an age-related number, and was then taken to
Mike Turley for trimming. Only some 200 miles have been covered
since the rebuild’s completion and the car is described as in generally
excellent condition. Finished in British Racing Green with Sage Green
leather interior, ‘XKJ 470’ is offered with restoration invoices, current
MoT, SORN and V5C registration document. A spare set of wire
wheels shod with Dunlop racing tyres is included in the sale.
£60,000 - 70,000
€75,000 - 88,000