1950 | Jaguar XK 120 OTS

The Jaguar XK120 was manufactured between 1948 and 1954 and was Jaguar's first post-war sports car succeeding the SS100 which ceased production in 1940. It was launched in roadster form at the 1948 London Motor Show as a test bed and show car for the new Jaguar XK engine and caused a sensation, persuading William Lyons to put it into production. The ‘120’ name referred to its 120mph top speed which made it the world's fastest standard production car at the time of its launch. It was available in two convertible versions; first as the roadster then also as a drophead coupé from 1953 and as a closed, or ‘fixedhead’ coupé from 1951. The iconic shape of the Jaguar XK120 roadster sustains the car’s constant appreciation by classic car enthusiasts. They are eminently usable motorcars and understandably much coveted. Extremely robust, wonderfully reliable, and infinitely eye-catching; they are, understandably, one of the most collectable motorcars available today.

Chassis #670670 is offered with red coachwork and complementing red leather interior and was originally a US left hand drive supplied car with matching numbers. Imported into the UK as a restoration project in 1987 it then underwent a complete restoration to extremely high standards. It is worth noting that the owner at the time was more than simply an enthusiast, although he is certainly that. He was an extremely experienced and knowledgeable restorer with many years and XK’s under his belt as well as a not inconsiderable formula motorsport career.

This poised example represents what was a 16 year restoration before a recent 12 year love affair with our vendor and it has been extremely well maintained. The overall feel of the car is largely original right down to the correct and factory specified bonnet louvres but a number of subtle modifications have been incorporated to enhance the performance and intrinsic value. Fast road improvements include Coopercraft brakes, front and rear; bucket seats and a five speed Getrag gearbox. More technical additions include an increased capacity aluminium radiator, competition sand-cast C-Type carburetors and a correct C-Type exhaust system coupled to practical enhancements recently such as electronic ignition and fuel pump. 153 UXL is one of the very early steel bodied 120’s with a Jaguar/Daimler Heritage Trust certificate attesting to its genealogy. There are also a number of invoices from specialists including one from Les Trafford (Les Trafford Competition Engines) for an engine rebuild costing in excess of £5,000 during the restoration and many more recent invoices from the decade and more of fair weather only enjoyment including four brand new tyres for the new vendor to enjoy. This most elegant of sporting Jaguars is possibly the best combination of achingly good lines with more modern day performance and usability, ready for that road trip, European tour or even road rally this is the perfect foil for the enthusiast driver, as the vendor declares 'The ultimate head-turner wherever she goes'. Consigned by Mathew Priddy