Fantasy Junction

Description

1954 Jaguar XK120 Roadster
s/n 674797
British Racing Green with Saddle Leather

Told by the post-war government to “export or die” the British motor industry responded valiantly, none more so than Jaguar Cars, soon to become the UK’s biggest US-dollar earner thanks in no small measure to the success of its sensational XK120 sports car. Delays in the gestation of its MkV11 saloon led to Jaguar exploring an alternative method of bringing the new XK 3.4 litre six-cylinder engine to public attention. The result was the fabulous XK120. Launched at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show, the stunning-looking roadster caused a sensation. Conceived as a low-volume model, the XK120 proved considerably more popular than expected, with the result that the expensive-to-produce, ahs-framed alloy coachwork was replaced by steel after 240 cars had been completed, though the bonnet, doors, and boot lid remain aluminum.

The car’s heart was, of course, the fabulous XK engine. Conceived in wartime, the 3.4 litre “six” embodied the best of modern design, boasting twin overhead camshafts running in an aluminum-alloy cylinder head, seven main bearings and a maximum output of 160bhp. When installed in the lightweight XK120, the result was a car with a phenomenal power-to-weight ratio and blistering performance. The “120” referred to the car’s top speed, any doubts about the claims veracity being swiftly banished when a standard XK120 achieve a top speed of 126.4 mph with hood and side screens erected and 132.6 mph minus its weather protection and equipped with an under tray. The XK120 set new standard of comfort, road holding and performance for British sports car and, in keeping with the Jaguar tradition, there was nothing to touch it at the price.

Although it had not been designed with racing in mind, the XK120’s competition potential was immediately obvious, not least to the factory, which entered a three-car team in the Daily Express one-hour race for standard production cars a Silverstone in August 1949. The XK’s with Leslie Johnson and Peter Walker duly rewarded Jaguar’s faith in its new sports car by finishing first and second respectively, thus setting the scene for an illustrious competition career that would culminate in the development of the legendary C-Type.

This particular car was sold originally in the USA as a left hand drive example. It was exported to the UK and restored by Longmate Vintage Restoration, Oaklands Lane, Runoton Holme, Kings Lynn, Norfolk during 1993, as documented by the receipts in the file. During the restoration the car was converted to RHD. The car was sold by Classic Automobiles Worldwide of London, to an American living and working in London in 2001. Upon his return to the United States in 2001, he brought the car with him back to California, where it has remained since.

The car has excellent panel fit, and the paint has held up extremely well. There are some small scrapes and blemishes in the paint but the overall impression is still very strong. The interior and top which were also restored have also held up well, with minor wear apparent on the driver’s seat only. The car is equipped with wire wheels, tri bar headlights, and driving lights. The car sounds and runs well, and we would welcome any type of pre-purchase inspection. The car is fitted with an electric fan for use in modern traffic.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608