1951 | Jaguar XK 120 OTS

The Jaguar XK120 was manufactured by Jaguar between 1948 and 1954 and was Jaguar's first post-war sportscar which succeeded the SS 100 that ceased production in 1940. The XK120 was launched in roadster form at the 1948 London Motor Show as a test bed and show car for the new Jaguar XK six-cylinder engine. It caused a sensation, which persuaded William Lyons to put it into production and the '120' in its name referred to its 120mph top speed, this made the XK120 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 coupe from 1953 and as a closed fixedhead coupe from 1951. The drophead coupe was a more deluxe model, featuring a beautiful wood dashboard and wood features on the door interiors. The XK120 was aimed primarily at the US market and the fixedhead coupe was constructed in relatively small numbers with approximately 2,680 units produced (combined left and right hand drive) compared with approximately 7,614 roadsters. In late 1954, the XK120 was succeeded by the XK140 which benefitted from enhanced engineering to benefit the new model not only as a road going tourer, but as a serious motorsport contender.

This Jaguar XK120 has an interesting history. As confirmed by the Jaguar Heritage Certificate, the car was one of 12 sent to Eire to be assembled, painted and trimmed in Dublin to avoid heavy import duty, the Jaguar term for these cars was CKD (complete knock down). The Eire registration number was ZL 6975 with the first owners being Gratton of Dublin Ltd. In 1953 the ownership was transferred to Larry Egan, part of The Egans of Tullamore Irish whiskey family. During the time with the Egan family ZL 6975 was initiated into the world of racing, few records are available unfortunately. The car changed hands a couple of times more, always remaining in Ireland and eventually in 1961 Joan O'Sullivan became the custodian. Family friends Ronnie Peffers and Don Kissane were to race the car, with Don piloting this XK at the 1962 Gold Flake Trophy in Phoenix Park, listed as number 57. Unfortunately, Don became a little over enthusiastic and the engine blew up. The car then found its way to New Zealand in 1963 and appears to have returned to these shores around 1970. Moving on a few years and the Jaguar was purchased by our vendor in May 2022 from Cotswold Classic Car Restoration. He immediately commissioned them to carry out a full restoration on this XK120, it was apparently in a sorrowful state having stood around for some 40 years. The car was bare metal stripped, painted and re-assembled. The non-matching numbers engine was rebuilt and a Supra synchromesh gearbox fitted. The interior has been re-trimmed to a good standard and the car presents well today. It is estimated that around 150 miles have been covered since the completion of the work. The vendor had a small brochure printed detailing the history of 867 FUF, formerly ZL 6975. With only 12 CKD cars sent to Eire, this Jaguar XK120 certainly has had an interesting life. Consigned by Stewart Banks

Lot details
Year: 1951
Make: Jaguar
Model: XK120 Roadster
Registration: 867 FUF
Chassis No: 660744
Odometer: 00150


* Restored by Cotswold Classic Car Restoration

* One of the 12 CKD cars sent to Eire

* Some race history