Lot 133: 1954 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

Launched at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show, the Jaguar XK120 Roadster caused a sensation. Penned by Sir William Lyons, its sensuous lines seemed almost impossibly glamorous to a country still feeling the effects of rationing, while the 120mph top speed promised by its name soon became the stuff of legend. Based around a cruciform-braced box-section chassis equipped with independent torsion-bar front suspension, a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle and hydraulic drum brakes, it proved equally adept on road or track. Credited with 160bhp and 190lbft of torque in standard tune, its legendary 3442cc dohc straight-six engine was allied to four-speed manual transmission. Arguably, the defining sportscar of its generation. According to an accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate, chassis number S675720 began life as a left-hand drive Special Equipment (SE) Roadster. Manufactured on 3rd June 1954 and dispatched to renowned New York dealer, Max Hoffman, one week later. It was apparently repatriated nearly two decades ago (though, not UK registered until earlier this year). Dry-stored but repainted prior to entering the current ownership, it has since been treated to a brake overhaul, new clutch and fettled electrics. Reportedly "fitted with a 'C-type' engine (numbers tally) at some time", it also benefits from a pair of "manually choked 2-inch SU carburettors". Finished in cream with red upholstery, this Jaguar is variously described by the vendor as being in "fair" (interior trim, paintwork), "good" (engine, manual gearbox, electrical equipment, bodywork, wheels / tyres) or "very good" (chassis) condition. While, he goes on to say: "The car drives very well and has a nicely patinated interior. The body is virtually rust free, it being a Florida car and is a usable day-to-day driver. Riding on wire wheels and still to left-hand drive specification, chassis number S675720 is believed to have covered 70,890 miles from new. Sporting age-related '327 UXU' number plates, this well travelled XK120 is offered for sale with "sundry parts bills from Guy Broad" MOT certificate valid until April 28th 2007 and historic class road tax until May 2007.