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Vehicle Description
At the 1948 London Motor Show, Jaguar unveiled their first postwar
sports car to astonished onlookers. The spectacular new XK120
redefined the whole notion of sports cars in the post-war era,
combining race car performance in a stunningly beautiful and
production-ready package. Initially, the concept was intended
merely as a testbed for Jaguar's newest engine, the 3.4-liter "XK"
inline six, yet the positive reception easily convinced William
Lyons to put it into production. The technically-advanced engine
featured a sturdy iron block topped with an alloy, twin-overhead
camshaft cylinder head, making 160 horsepower in standard form.
With such exotic specification, it would have been understandable
if Jaguar chose to build the car in limited numbers. However,
engineers adopted new techniques allowing them to mass-produce the
exotic twin-cam engine, which allowed the XK120 to be considerably
cheaper than its performance rivals. Supporting the engine was a
robust chassis with independent front suspension, based loosely on
the MkV saloon but substantially narrowed and tuned for handling.
The real sensation was the gorgeous body, penned in-house at Jaguar
and quite unlike anything else on the road at the time. Devoid of
fussy chrome trim and unnecessary frills, the XK120 body was
curvaceous and beautifully proportioned. The clean lines were
uninterrupted, particularly on cars with steel wheels and full
spats on the rear fenders. More than just a pretty face, the XK120
delivered extraordinary performance for the period. The RAC
officially timed a mostly standard XK120 (with a small aero screen
and tall gear ratio) at 132.6 miles per hour on the Ostend-Jabbeke
motorway in Belgium. Other speed records followed, as did countless
victories on race circuits and in rallies in Europe and the USA.
The XK120 paved the way for the Le Mans-winning C-Type and set the
foundation for Jaguar's astounding string of motorsport victories
Jaguar enjoyed throughout the 1950s. Today, the Jaguar XK120 is a
cornerstone collector car with passionate owners ranging from the
grassroots to the seasoned, world-class collector. Over seventy
years since it was first shocked the world with its dramatic
unveiling, the XK120 continues to thrill with its timeless beauty
and electrifying performance. The XK120 featured here is a gorgeous
example of the luxurious Fixed Head Coupe which joined the original
Open Two Seater in 1951. Adding a roof to the XK120 transformed it
into a highly capable and comfortable grand touring car, with a bit
more legroom, luxury, and of course, weathertight comfort for
year-round motoring. Thankfully, the addition of the fixed-roof did
not spoil the lines or the performance. This striking 1954 XK120 is
an original US-market example with the desirable Special Equipment
package, retaining its original matching numbers engine and
cylinder head. It enjoyed long-term, single ownership from the late
1960s through 2007, receiving a nut-and-bolt restoration late in
its tenure. The most recent owner acquired the car from him and has
continued its meticulous care ever since. Finished in British
Racing Green over a black cockpit, this car has a striking and
purposeful look thanks to the color-matched wire wheels fitted with
period-correct Pirelli Cinturato rubber. The body is exquisitely
finished, with straight panels, excellent gaps, and gorgeous deep
green paintwork finished to a very high standard. Brightwork is
minimal, but the delicate chrome bumpers and various plated body
fitting present in outstanding condition. Lifting the bonnet
reveals Jaguar's masterpiece in the form of the 3.4-liter,
twin-overhead cam, inline-six. Not only is it one of the most
significant engines of all time, but it is also one of the most
beautiful to look at, with its highly polished aluminum cam covers,
carburetor bodies, and intake manifold. This car retains its
matching-numbers cylinder head and engine (per the Jaguar Daimler
Heritage Certificate) with detailing up to the same high standards
as the exterior. Correct fittings include the through-fender air
intake, porcelain exhaust manifolds, Marston Excelsior radiator,
and polished SU. Carburetors. A full stainless-steel exhaust system
lets the engine breath freely and provides an addictive soundtrack.
Thanks to attentive care in an extensive private collection, this
XK is dialed-in to run superbly and would be the ideal candidate
for Pre-'57 driving events worldwide. The cabin of the fixed head
coupe offered considerably more luxury than the sparsely trimmed
open-two-seater. This car features marvelous black upholstery and
exquisitely restored wood trim. The black leather seats have
developed an inviting character from use and care, while the
carpets, door cards, broadcloth headliner, and interior panels are
in exceptional condition. A slightly smaller-diameter sports
steering wheel accommodates taller drivers and the only other
deviation from factory specification is the alloy shift knob.
Inside the boot is found the restored original jack, handle, tire
pump, and tool roll. Accompanying the sale is a copy of the
Heritage Certificate, the original handbook, and recent service
receipts. With a superb restoration and well-sorted mechanicals,
this XK120 fixed-head is the driver's choice for rallies and tours
while still presenting well enough for JCNA concours and similar
events. It benefits from many years of thorough, attentive care and
is ready to provide its next caretaker with many more miles of
enjoyment.
