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1951 Jaguar XK120 Competition Roadster AJK 48
Veteran of the 1952 Rallye Evian – Mont-Blanc
Other competition history at Goodwood, Shelsley, Prescott and more
Film cameo in 1957 comedy The Truth About Women
Outstandingly restored in black over red/ biscuit livery
Eligible for rally, road, other events; Mille Miglia Registro
One of the select group of XK120 period competition roadsters, AJK 48 is a veteran of the 1952 Rallye Evian Mont-Blanc, and offered restored in an alluring specification.
Produced in Jaguar’s first Le Mans winning year in February 1951, chassis 660689 was distributed through Henlys and Willetts of Eastbourne, passing through the hands of one lady owner to London businessman Mark Levy by early 1952, where the real story begins.
Across the 1952 and 1953 seasons, AJK 48 competed in a series of rallies, races and hill climbs – joining the early cadre of postwar amateur racing enthusiasts who campaigned the XK as Britain’s fastest production sports car to great effect at events around the UK and abroad. Levy often competed himself but was clearly a generous friend, sharing or lending AJK to close friends Cyril Wick and Mark Conrad for events.
In perhaps the most adventurous and memorable challenge, Levy and Wick headed for France in July for the challenging Rallye International Evian – Mont-Blanc – Megève, a rival of the Alpine Rally organized by the Automobile Club de Mont-Blanc. Amidst stunning alpine surroundings, Levy and Wick set fastest times on multiple stages and a record on the Colombier hill climb. The pair were set fair for victory in the “Evian” only to retire in the closing hours with brake failure.
Later in 1952, AJK 48 reappeared with Cyril Wick at the famous hill climb venues of Prescott and Shelsley Walsh, at the latter setting second fastest time of day. The Harrow educated founder of Diffusion Alloys, Wick also raced an Allard and a big Cooper Jaguar, later remembered as a James Bond character and a knight in a shining sports car. Owner Mark Levy rounded out 1952 with AJK in events at Tarrant Rushton and the Brighton Speed Trials.
In the Coronation year of 1953, AJK 48 notably appeared at Goodwood in two BARC Members meetings, one apiece for Mark Levy and Mark Conrad. A great selection of atmospheric photos in the accompanying history file help record AJK’s early competition history.
AJK 48 also enjoyed a cameo on the silver screen, in the 1957 comedy The Truth About Women. In the opening credits, AJK 48 (apparently repainted in a red livery) sweeps up the gravel drive of a stately home bearing the lovelorn young protagonist – a welcome glimpse in time, even if we’re not sure we’d recommend staying for the rest of the show!
Believed to have remained in Levy’s ownership though 1969, later custodians included a very long-term ownership by London surgeon Peter Leaver of over 35 years from 1979, seeing the XK safely through into modern times.
Recognizing the importance of her early history, in recent years AJK 48 benefitted from a comprehensive JD Classics restoration to a very high standard before the car took part in the 2019 Mille Miglia. These works included a return to the original black livery over a contrasting biscuit and red interior, with competition bucket seats. Presented with racing screens, bumper-less and black painted wire wheels, it’s a head-turning and very attractive specification. The car does have a Mille Miglia Registro number that can be transferred to a new owner who wishes to partake in the event.
Offered in outstanding condition, this sought after XK120 period competition roadster is highly eligible for rally, road and other events – and possibly a return to Mont-Blanc!
