Lot 356: 1952 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 an 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 North America, this XK120 has now been modified for modern high speed motoring. Its performance has greatly been improved by the fitment of a later Jaguar 4.2 litre unit with a full syncro gearbox. Disc brakes have been added all round and it sits on 15 inch wire wheels. A Le Mans style filler cap, Louvered bonnet and bonnet straps complete the sporting look, together with blue tinted windows to match the very fine dark blue metallic paintwork.Said to be in very good general order the current owner, an experienced Jaguar and XK owner of many years reports that the car 'goes like hell' and is a 'good driver'. It is currently EU taxes paid and is ready to be registered and enjoyed this summer.