Lot details Registration No: ONW 769 Chassis No: 660381 Mot Expiry: July 2011
Launched at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show, the Jaguar XK120 Roadster caused a sensation. Penned by Sir William Lyons, the model's sensuous lines seemed almost impossibly glamorous to a country still feeling the effects of rationing. While, the 120mph top speed that its name signified soon became the stuff of legend. Literally flooded with orders, Jaguar began limited hand-built production soon thereafter (although, it was not until 1950 that the factory was sufficiently 'tooled-up' to discard aluminium in favour of steel for much of the curvaceous bodywork). Based around a cruciform-braced box-section chassis equipped with independent torsion-bar front suspension, a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle and hydraulic drum brakes, the lithe two-seater proved equally adept on road or track winning both the RAC TT and Alpine Trial during 1950 (the former victory coming at the hands of Sir Stirling Moss). Credited with developing some 160bhp and 190lbft of torque in standard tune, its legendary 3442cc DOHC straight-six engine was allied to four-speed manual transmission. Arguably, the defining sportscar of its generation, a perilously shaky post-WW2 British economy gave the Coventry manufacturer little choice but to concentrate on overseas sales
First registered in December 1950, chassis No.660381 is a right-hand drive home market car (one of circa 609 of its type) that was extensively restored in the past. It sports silver coachwork, a red leather interior and black weather equipment. The subject of a number of prizes in classic car competitions, it is understood to have had five owners to date. Recent work has included the fitting of a modern five-speed Rover gearbox (the original four-speed Moss unit is included in the lot) and wire wheels in place of the original steel disc items. The vendor describes the coachwork, paintwork and gearbox as "very good" and the engine, electrical equipment and interior trim as "excellent". He considers the car as "excellent" to drive and the engine to sound "first class". The Jaguar is currently on SORN.
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