Lot details Registration No: UN-REG Chassis No: S676126 Mot Expiry: None
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. 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 Jaguar 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 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.
Finished in pale blue with black leather upholstery, this particular left-hand drive example is described by the vendor as being in "good overall" condition. Said to have been "recently imported from California with EU taxes paid", the Jaguar was apparently "running and driving" at the time of purchase but is now judged to need "a proper service before being used on UK roads". A Special Equipment model (or so the 'S' prefix to its chassis number would imply) sporting separate sidelights and wire wheels, we are informed that the Roadster is being offered for sale in an attempt to thin out a collection that "has become too large".
PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle is finished in pale green and not pale blue as stated in the catalogue.
PLEASE NOTE: We have been contacted by the XK Gazette who have informed us that they believe this vehicle was built in 1954 and not 1953 as stated in the catalogue.
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