Lot details Registration No: 62 PTB Chassis No: 660081 Mot Expiry: Sept 2008
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 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 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.
On the basis that right-hand drive XK120 Roadster production began with chassis number 660001, this particular example - chassis 660081 - is a notably early car. Reportedly "supplied new to the USA before being repatriated during 1988", the Jaguar is variously described by the vendor as being in "original" (interior trim), "good" (engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, wheels / tyres), "poor" (paintwork) or "excellent" (chassis, bodywork) condition. Finished in silver with red leather upholstery, '62 PTB' is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until September 2008.
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