Description
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
Viewing: Tues 14th October from 12pm
Auction: Wed 15th October from 9am
Location: St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE
1952 Jaguar XK120 Fixed Head Coupe
Fast Road Specification
Estimate
£35, 000 - £45, 000
Registration No: 687 UXR
Chassis No: 680432
MOT: Exempt
Prepared for use on historic rallies and tours
Fitted with a 4. 2-litre engine and 4-speed all-synchro gearbox
Delivered new to North America
Disc brakes all round, aluminum radiator and Tilton pedal box
The phenomenal success of the XK120 was unexpected by Sir William Lyons and Jaguar, whose focus had been the MKVII Saloon. However, within days of the Bronze show car being displayed at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show, it was evident a complete rethink was required. For many the best looking XK120 variant, the Fixed Head Coupe debuted in July 1951. A true design classic primarily aimed at the American market, some 2, 485 of the 2, 680 examples produced were to left-hand drive specification.
One such car, chassis 680432, was delivered to North America but converted to right-hand drive upon its return to the UK and uprated for use on historic rallies and tours. Powered by a larger, more potent 4. 2-litre XK engine (replacing the factory 3. 4-litre unit) mated to a later all-synchromesh four-speed manual gearbox, the steering, brakes and suspension have all been enhanced too. Sourced from a younger XK150 model, the rack and pinion set-up is notably more precise than the original steering box, while four-wheel disc brakes provide superior stopping power. A stiffer anti-roll bar and Koni shock absorbers have similarly sharpened the handling. Sporting a Le Mans-style fuel filler cap, louvered bonnet, leather bonnet straps and twin driving lamps to the exterior and a fire extinguisher, Tilton pedal box, Willans harnesses and bucket seats to the interior, the Jaguar is cooled by an aluminium radiator and is fitted with Rob Beere performance camshafts. The straight-six engine has been further improved with a gas flowed cylinder head and new valves and valve springs. The twin 2-inch SU carburettors have been overhauled and a higher capacity water pump with larger impeller added plus a new high pressure oil pump. Understood to have covered a little over 15, 000 miles since being restored, this impressive XK is offered with an original owner’s handbook, collection of invoices and current Swansea V5C.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
