Lot details
Registration No: UN-REG
Chassis No: S675568
Mot Expiry: None

Famously built as a mere showcase for Jaguar's new 3,442cc XK twin-cam straight-six engine, the XK120 Roadster caused a sensation when it was unveiled at the 1948 London Motor Show. 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). Utilising a shortened MKVII chassis, the lithe XK120 possessed exceptional performance and road holding compared to its peers. Such dynamic excellence was rewarded with victory in the 1950 RAC TT at the hands of Sir Stirling Moss and first place in the 1950 Alpine Trial. The following year brought two Alpine Cups and wins in the RAC, Tulip and Liege-Rome-Liege Rallies.
Finished in red with matching leather upholstery and a black mohair hood, this particular left-hand drive example has been part of the collection since 1995. A late 'Special Equipment' model (or so the quoted chassis number would indicate), its dashboard carries a plaque that reads as follows: "Certified that this Jaguar car is a replica of the record breaking car which achieved the speed of 141.51mph at Jabbeke, Belgium. Certified by W.M. Heynes Chief Engineer". While an underbonnet inspection reveals the presence of 'C-type' cam covers and twin SU carburettors that look (a) to have sand cast dashpots and (b) to be rather larger than standard (casting number 4866). Further benefiting from silver-painted wire wheels, manual four-speed transmission and Lucas M5 spotlamps, this gorgeous XK120 looks to have undergone extensive restoration in the past (though, sadly there are no details on file).