Lot 344: 1954 Jaguar XK120 Fixedhead 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 XK120 was an absolute milestone for both Jaguar and the motor industry as a whole. XK120 orders flooded in, ironic as it was designed as an interim model to publicise the XK engine for the new Mk VII saloon - Jaguar had only planned to produce around 200! 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. 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 in both 1951 and '53, while its engine was to power three more Sarthe winners and a whole host of Jaguars right up to the present day. Originally delivered to Great Britain but latterly taken to the south of France by the vendor, this XK120 has enjoyed a cosseted existence right up until 2002 when it underwent a full bare metal re-spray to its original colour of red (the supplied images are of a similar vehicle.) Further restoration work took place in 2006 with a comprehensive reworking of the braking system, as well as all wood being refurbished and varnished and completely new carpeting and door panelling being fitted to the burgundy finished interior. Described by the vendor as being in good to excellent condition in every respect, this British drop-head sportscar represents a rare opportunity to acquire a fine example with all the costly work completed.