Description
This car is Lot 153 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at The Goodwood Auction on Saturday September 13th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Friday September 12 from 09:00 until 17:00, Saturday September 13 from 09:00 at The Goodwood Revival.
Lot 153
1953 Jaguar XK120 Roadster "Lightweight"
Registration no. to be advised
Chassis no. 667157
Fabulous tribute to the works Jaguar XK120 Lightweight 'LT1'
Created by the vendor's father
Alloy body
Fresh from extensive restoration
Impressive specification
In 1951, William Lyons was preparing Jaguar's new C-Type for entry at Le Mans. Doubtful that the completely new car would be ready in time for the race, Lyons ordered three special XK120s as an insurance policy. The 'LT' (an abbreviation of 'Lightweight') Jaguar XK120s were 20% lighter than the road going version. This was achieved with a unique single piece magnesium alloy body. Although the body in silhouette looked like a production XK120, in almost every other respect it was completely different. Instead of the laminated wood frames of the original alloy XK120s, the body was supported by a steel tubular frame mounted on to the chassis. The shell itself was a one piece construction. There was no boot lid aperture or detachable rear wings. The doors only extended down to floor level and the characteristic 'alligator' XK bonnet was replaced with a simple lift-out panel. The bonnet was louvred, with a leather strap to hold it in place, and aero screens were fitted instead of a full width windscreen. The cars benefited from aluminium C-type wheels and an aluminium radiator plus many other weight saving alterations.
Only three bodies were ever built but sadly these special XK120s never competed for Jaguar at Le Mans as the new C-type was ready in time. Charles Hornburg, the famous US West Coast Jaguar importer, spotted them during a factory visit, and LT2 and LT3 were sold and taken to the USA, where Phil Hill drove one to 3rd overall and a class win in its very first race in August 1951.
Unlike the LT2 and LT3 alloy bodies, the LT1 body was not fitted to a chassis and remained at the factory until 1954 when Bob Berry, Jaguar's PR manager, fitted it to his own XK120, chassis number '660917', registration 'MWK 120'. That car, also made in 1951, was then modified and raced by Berry. As well as the new body, he installed a D-Type engine and four-wheel disc brakes. Berry had a successful racing career as an amateur, and was considered one of Britain's up and coming drivers, with three 1st places, four 2nd places and three 3rd places among 23 races in the car in 1954-1955.
Brothers Robin and David Baker were studying engineering at Sheffield University in the early 1960s and bought LT1 from Bob Berry. Our vendor's father, also studying engineering at Sheffield at the time, campaigned LT1 with the Baker brothers in local sprints and races, and it made such an impression on him that he vowed to one day build a tribute to it. LT1 was later twice owned by David Cottingham of DK Engineering; spent time in Canada, and later in the collection of Ralph Lauren; and is believed presently to be in a private collection in Japan.
This particular 'LT1' tribute is the result of that 60-year-old vow made by the vendor's father. The aluminium body was sourced in the north of Scotland from a large collection of Jaguar parts and projects, and is believed to have been built around 40 years ago. An unrestored 1953 XK120 was sourced and its original steel body removed in preparation for a complete body-off restoration. The chassis was sandblasted, primed and painted; all bushes replaced; the ENV rear axle replaced with a rebuilt Salisbury axle and differential; new Koni rear shock absorbers fitted; the brakes rebuilt with new master and slave cylinders; and the new body mounted on the restored chassis.
A 3. 4-litre engine was overhauled including being rebored with larger pistons (no greater than 0. 040'' so slightly larger than 3, 441cc); the crankshaft reground with new big-end and main bearings; and a full C-Type head from Guy Broad fitted together with two 2" SU carburettors. Other notable features include a new stainless steel twin exhaust and manifold; new Facet fuel pump; lightweight alloy endurance fuel tank with Le Mans style filler; and an uprated Lucas starter motor. In addition, the radiator was overhauled with new hoses; the wiring loom replaced; a cut-off switch fitted; and Brooklands aero-screens installed.
The original four-speed Moss gearbox was retained with standard ratios, as were the gauges an hydraulic clutch with lightened flywheel, and an adjustable pedal box with lightweight racing pedals has been fitted for an improved driving experience and to accommodate the taller driver - always a problem with original XK120s.
The wheels were stripped, restored, painted and equipped with original Jaguar spinners before being shod with Blockley tyres and tubes. The leather bucket seats were upholstered in leather with matching door pulls, removable headrests, and a bespoke tonneau cover to give that unmistakable 1950s Jaguar driving experience. True to Bob Berry's original LT1, the driver's side headlight has been removed to incorporate an air intake to the SU carburettors. To ensure adequate illumination, two auxiliary lights functioning as headlights have been mounted below.
Only driven once since its restoration, the XK is offered for sale due to the sad passing of the vendor's father, who died before he had the opportunity to truly relive his past experience. This wonderfully crafted LT1 tribute is offered with a comprehensive history file containing a large collection of related literature, the current V5C document, and a Jaguar Heritage Certificate. A matching leather holdall is included also together with a copper wheel hammer and a variety of Jaguar tools.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
