Vehicle Description
With World War II still at its height and Coventry experiencing
frequent bombing raids, Jaguar Chief Engineer, William Heynes, and
fellow-engineers Walter Hassan, Claude Bailly, and Harry Weslake
spent many hours of their mandatory fire watches on the roof of the
Coventry factory discussing ideas for a new line of engines. The
team opted for a double-overhead-camshaft configuration that could
be built in both four and six-cylinder form. Plans moved forward on
a limited-production sports car to create excitement for the new
postwar Jaguar engine "XK" series engine which was ultimately
intended for the upcoming Mk VII sedan. By the time the first
alloy-bodied XK-120 was completed in 1948, the engine displaced 3.4
liters and produced 160 horsepower. Additionally, it featured a
robust ladder-type chassis with independent front suspension with
torsion bars, and semi-elliptic springs and a live axle in the
rear. Hydraulic drum brakes were at all four corners, and steering
was via recirculating ball. Much of the chassis was shared with the
Mk VII saloon, but tuned for high-speed handling. With its
distinctive grille, delicate bumpers and sweeping fenders, the new
Jaguar stunned crowds attending auto shows. The excitement was so
great, that the initial limited run of alloy cars-said to be 240
units-didn't satisfy demand, and Jaguar was forced to quickly adapt
to keep up with the orders pouring in. The model was named for its
claimed top speed of 120 mph, a boast that was proven on a closed
highway in Belgium in 1949, when an essentially standard car
averaged 132.6 miles per hour. As interest in the XK120 exploded,
Jaguar quickly tooled up for a steel version which became available
in the fall of 1950. The steel body could be produced much more
quickly, affordably, and with greater quality control than
aluminum, with little sacrifice to the weight and performance.
However, the bonnet, boot skin, and doors remained in aluminum.
Production continued until mid-1954, by which time more than 12,000
had been built. While the bulk of production consisted of the open
two-seat sports car, Jaguar added a drophead coupe and fixed head
coupe to the range, which appealed more to the GT-oriented buyer.
This left-hand-drive open two-seat roadster is very desirable as
one of the first 800 steel cars built and uses the early style
"small" top, chrome fender lights and lacks footwell vents in the
front wings, which did not appear until February of 1951. The
accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate shows this
US-spec car was originally delivered to Los Angeles, via the West
Coast distributor, Hornburg. It left the works finished in silver
over a duo-tone blue interior and French Grey hood. Now finished in
British Racing Green over biscuit hides and fitted with standard
disc wheels, Firestone black-wall tires, and rear wheel spats, the
livery shows the XK120's iconic form at its best. In the care of
the same collector since 1998, it received a body-off concours
restoration shortly after he acquired it. An accompanying photo
album documents the project, which included a full strip-down of
the chassis, engine rebuild, and bare-metal body restoration. When
completed, the proud owner showed this XK120 extensively throughout
the early 2000s, and has maintained the car to a high standard
while in his collection. It is a former JCNA 100-point winner, and
has also been shown at prestigious concours events. The car's many
achievements include 5 JCNA National First Place awards, a VMCCA
Best in Show, AACA Regional, National, and Grand National Senior
First Prize awards, and Best in Class at both the Amelia Island
Concours and Meadowbrook Concours. While the restoration is now
more the 20 years old, this XK120 remains in outstanding condition,
having mellowed into an inviting tour-ready example, ideal for
rallies and driving events. The British Racing Green paintwork is
beautiful, with a consistent finish quality, exemplary body fit,
and highlighted with well-preserved chrome and brightwork. Inside,
the biscuit leather shows a pleasing character from use and care.
Carpets and kick panels are excellent, as is the canvas top on the
correct early-type top frame. Power comes via a period-correct
3.4-litre early XK120 inline-six, which is extensively and properly
detailed, and runs strong. Receipts show that throughout the years,
the owner saw to it that the car was serviced, maintained, and
freshened as needed. This striking XK120 comes complete with JCNA
judging sheets, owner's manual, restoration photos, receipts, jack,
side curtains, and a two-piece set of custom fitted luggage. The
car shows equal signs of excellent care and light use and it
remains a fabulous example to drive and enjoy on the road. Offers
welcome and trades considered For additional details please view
this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7463-1950-jaguar-xk120-roadster/
