Lot 448: 1953 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 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 MkV 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 in both 1951 and 1953 while its engine was to power three more Sarthe winners and a whole host of Jaguars right up to the present day. This stunning fixed head coupe, originally delivered in 1953 has been subject to a most meticulous and comprehensive restoration carried out over a three year period. Documentation and invoices for the car span over some two folders and total in excess of 75,000 of work, and as well as a step by step photographic record of the restoration. Finished in Opalescent Jaguar Silver with Grey leather this unique vehicle in near concours condition . This must be one the finest XK120's currently on the market.