Lot 416: Jaguar XK 120 Fixed Head Coupe

It was at the 1948 London Motor Show that Jaguar virtually threw the sports car world into turmoil with its stunning XK120. Here was a car with incredible style and looks, a powerful six cylinder engine installed in an outstanding chassis and a remarkably low price, a quarter that of a V12 Ferrari with similar performance. The combination was unbeatable and without doubt the Jaguar XK120 was an absolute milestone for both Jaguar and the motor industry as a whole. At the heart of the William Lyons styled roadster was that all-new 3,442cc, twin overhead camshaft XK engine producing 160bhp via twin SU carburettors. Sufficient for 126mph and 0-60mph in 10.0 seconds. To further push the performance point home, in October 1948, with an aeroscreen and aluminium undershield the only modifications, an XK120 recorded 132.6mph for the flying mile in Jabekke, Belgium, making it indisputably the fastest off-the-shelf production car in the world. The XK120 was also endowed with fine roadholding, its steel body - the originally planned limited production run used alloy bodies, clothing a shortened Mk. V chassis employing independent torsion bar/wishbone front suspension and a semi-elliptic leaf-sprung rear axle, while brakes were all round drums. The XK120 became a massive success both on the road and the track where it scored numerous victories, the many drivers including Stirling Moss, Peter Walker, Peter Whitehead, Leslie Johnson and Ian Appleyard; indeed, in XK120C/C-Type form, it won Le Mans both in 1951 and in 1953 while its engine was to power three more Sarthe winners and a whole host of Jaguars right up to the present day. Originally sold by Henley's in London, it was registered to Mr Reuben Lamont of Norwich in 1955. Mann Egerton then owned the car before it went to Jack Hobson in London later that year. It was the right choice for him as he then went on to own it for 10 years until Dr Gardner acquired it. Time had taken its toll however and in 1986, it was put away by the then owner, Paul Dewhurst. It was bought by the current owner in 1996 who undertook an extremely comprehensive nut and bolt restoration. It is presented in its original silver livery as well as a number of fast road upgrades. This example benefits from Jaguar Mk. IX disc brakes, front and rear. Twin Lockheed servos are mounted under the offside wing and behind a stainless steel heat shield. Power comes from a high performance Mk. X engine, 3500cc and fitted with an E-Type sump, 9-1 pistons, high capacity oil and water pumps and an XJ6, series III cylinder head. The inlet manifold is from a Jaguar 420 saloon fitted with a pair of SU, 2 inch carburettors. A competition twin stainless steel exhaust system leads off a six branch stainless steel manifold. All this is fed through a Getrag 5 speed gearbox and suspension has been uprated to incorporate telescopic shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar. Hightone Restorations took care of the body with restoration and/or new panels supplied by them. South Cerney Engineering undertook the mechanical elements and Mike Thomas of Twyford Moors fitted the perfect contrasting blue leather trim. This is as good a car as you will find anywhere and provides a stylish alternative to track days and long distance touring. With little adjustment, FIA papers can be obtained and you would be able to attend rallies internationally as well as the odd Concours D'Elegance. It is that good.