1950 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

Lot details
Registration No: 757 YUE
Chassis No: 670814
Mot Expiry: Aug 2012

The sensuous-looking XK120 caused a sensation when it was launched at the London Motor Show of 1948. Capable of 120mph and more, it immediately assumed the mantle of the world's fastest production car. The key to its stunning performance was the all new, alloy-headed DOHC 3.4-litre, straight-six engine, the basic design of which successfully powered a whole range of Jaguars until the late '80s. The suspension was by torsion bars at the front and semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear. The steering was by recirculating ball and braking courtesy of drums all round. The Roadster's lightweight hood and sidescreens could be stowed behind the passenger seats. The doors had no external handles and the windscreen could be removed when required; as could the spats over the rear wheels.

This superbly presented, left-hand drive, matching numbers XK120 Roadster left Browns Lane in September 1950 bound for leading US distributor, Hoffman of New York. Chassis No.814 was originally finished in Gunmetal matched to a Blue interior. Come 1971, it was exported from Alabama to Rotterdam, where it remained under cover and unused until imported back into the UK in 2004, complete but in poor condition. Only in the last twelve months has '757 YUE' been returned to its former glory, courtesy of a thorough 'nut and bolt' restoration, during which every major item is said to have been overhauled or replaced as required.

Now resplendent in Silver matched to a two-tone Blue interior, the Jaguar is understandably considered to have "excellent" bodywork, paintwork, trim, engine and gearbox and is now offered for sale with invoices covering the restoration, plus tax and MOT until August 2012. Retaining its original chassis, engine and gearbox and even its early-type studless cylinder head and alloy fan, this lovely-looking XK120 is seemingly ready to provide years of pleasure to a lucky new owner.