Details
1952 JAGUAR XK 120 ROADSTER
Chassis No. 672780
Engine No. B3695-8
Black with red leather interior.
Engine: six cylinder in line, 3,422cc, 160bhp at 5,250rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Brakes: four wheel drum; Suspension: front, independent with double wishbones and longditudinal torsion bars, rear, live rear axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs. Left hand drive.
The fine reputation of the XK 120 far exceeds the small numbers in which it was built. Its original conception was little more than a test bed for the new twin cam engine devised by Bill Heynes whilst on Coventry fire-watching duties on the roof of the SS Jaguar car plant in the later stages of the War. However, its appearance at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show was met with hundreds of people clamoring to own one of the most seductive and rapid cars of the era. Instead of the few hand-built cars intended, Jaguar had to tool up for serious production.
Competition successes and the 126.45mph (133.5mph without windscreen) achieved by "Soapy" Sutton on the Belgian Autoroute all served to increase the demand for the car which did not become available until the 1950s. Even then the world export demand was so great that the first home market sales, in any quantity, did not materialize until 1951.
This superb roadster has been the subject of a meticulous ground-up restoration which took a full three years to complete. The work was completed in 1991 and this XK then went on to win first place in numerous California Concours events including first place at the JCNA Palo Alto Concours with a score of 99.24!
The restoration receipts on this vehicle amount to over $100,000, no expense was spared. The body off restoration is also documented by photographs. The engine was rebuilt by the well known Jaguar specialist Scott Sutton while the paint and bodywork was done by Brian Hoyt of Perfect Reflections, whose fine work is of Pebble Beach standard (including a class win in 1994). Since the restoration the car has covered less than 1,000 miles and routine maintenance has been undertaken by Steve Gordon. As expected, the car presents superbly both from above and below. It comes with a full compliment of tools, correct Dunlop RS5 tires and a stainless steel exhaust system. The only item not described as excellent by the owner was the clock, which is not running! The only reason the current owner has reluctantly decided to part with his beloved Jaguar is that he is to tall too drive the car in comfort.
Chassis No. 672780
Engine No. B3695-8
Black with red leather interior.
Engine: six cylinder in line, 3,422cc, 160bhp at 5,250rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Brakes: four wheel drum; Suspension: front, independent with double wishbones and longditudinal torsion bars, rear, live rear axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs. Left hand drive.
The fine reputation of the XK 120 far exceeds the small numbers in which it was built. Its original conception was little more than a test bed for the new twin cam engine devised by Bill Heynes whilst on Coventry fire-watching duties on the roof of the SS Jaguar car plant in the later stages of the War. However, its appearance at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show was met with hundreds of people clamoring to own one of the most seductive and rapid cars of the era. Instead of the few hand-built cars intended, Jaguar had to tool up for serious production.
Competition successes and the 126.45mph (133.5mph without windscreen) achieved by "Soapy" Sutton on the Belgian Autoroute all served to increase the demand for the car which did not become available until the 1950s. Even then the world export demand was so great that the first home market sales, in any quantity, did not materialize until 1951.
This superb roadster has been the subject of a meticulous ground-up restoration which took a full three years to complete. The work was completed in 1991 and this XK then went on to win first place in numerous California Concours events including first place at the JCNA Palo Alto Concours with a score of 99.24!
The restoration receipts on this vehicle amount to over $100,000, no expense was spared. The body off restoration is also documented by photographs. The engine was rebuilt by the well known Jaguar specialist Scott Sutton while the paint and bodywork was done by Brian Hoyt of Perfect Reflections, whose fine work is of Pebble Beach standard (including a class win in 1994). Since the restoration the car has covered less than 1,000 miles and routine maintenance has been undertaken by Steve Gordon. As expected, the car presents superbly both from above and below. It comes with a full compliment of tools, correct Dunlop RS5 tires and a stainless steel exhaust system. The only item not described as excellent by the owner was the clock, which is not running! The only reason the current owner has reluctantly decided to part with his beloved Jaguar is that he is to tall too drive the car in comfort.