Description
Guide: £48000-£55000
At its 1948 launch the Jaguar XK120 instantly became one of the most admired sports cars of its era. Well known for a chassis capable of great handling, a powerful 3. 4 litre straight six engine and record-breaking top speed, evidenced first he factory test driver Ron Sutton having famously driven the XK120 at 130 mph, beyond the 120mph which gave rise to the cars model name, and later by the recently deceased and much missed Norman Dewis setting outright class speed records on the Belgian motorways when, on 20 October 1953 at Jabbeke, he drove a Jaguar XK120 to 172. 412 mph.
Staying in production for almost 6 years, before being replaced by the XK 140, the 120 led to the C-Type and the victories at Le Mans, Reims etc and is rightly seen as the bed-rock of Jaguar's sporting success. Only some 12, 055 examples were produced, the majority being exported as with this left hand drive example which was re-imported from the United States, it having been in the ownership of a single family there for over 50 years, and is being offered fro sale by its sole contemporary UK custodian.
The car is presents wonderfully in its original colours of black bodywork with biscuit/ red leather trim. It is still fitted with its original engine and is reported to drive exactly as one of these classics Jaguars should. There is an abundance of power, crisp handling and brakes which, if treated with due respect, are more than up to the challenges of modern traffic.
This elegant car comes complete with its Jaguar Heritage Certificate in its comprehensive history file and shows chassis number 673312, which confirms this as an export model Open Two Seat car. The XK 120, having been extensively campaigned in period (even Tazio Nuvolari drove a 120 at Silverstone at Sir William Lyon's personal invitation) is eligible for a wealth of historic events such as the Mille Miglia, Classic Le Mans, The Tour Auto, Goodwood Revival Meeting as well as the superb XK Club events and Jaguar enthusiast and Driver's Clubs. The next custodian of this superb machine will, doubtless, find plenty to occupy themselves with as they enjoy their motor car to the full.
Mileage: TBC
View this lot in our showroom and marquee preview day Friday 5th July 2019, Beamish, County Durham
