1952 Jaguar XK120 Fixedhead Coupe

The Jaguar XK120 is a sports car which was manufactured by Jaguar between 1948 and 1954. It was launched in roadster form at the 1948 London Motor Show as a testbed and show car for the new Jaguar XK engine. It caused a sensation, which persuaded Jaguar founder and design boss William Lyons to put it into production.

The "120" in its name referred to its 120 mph top speed which made the XK120 the world's fastest standard production car at the time of its launch. Success in motor racing secured the cars future and an icon was born. Today, Jaguar XK's and particularly 120's remain well sought-after with expertly restored examples to modern motoring standards achieving prices well in excess of £125,000.

This car, which left the factory with black coachwork and a red interior was originally exported to California for many years. The second owner decided to paint the car red, the colour which has remained with the car the rest of it's life.

After a reputed long negotiation, the car migrated to Germany where upon it was completely dismantled and treated to a bare metal repaint and mechanical overhaul covering only about 3,000 miles since. Being fitted with and all-synchro five-speed gear box and lightened flywheel, the engine also acquired a "C-Type' head with unleaded valve seats. The result, a well-rounded and user friendly 1950's sports car which is capable and confident in modern traffic over long distances if required.

The rest of the car was reassembled as original and although the seats currently in the car are not the factory supplied backs, the originals have been re-trimmed and are offered with this Lot awaiting fitment.

In our opinion, detailing the interior woodwork and door fittings would improve the car, but that is a matter of personal taste and detracts nothing from the fabulously involving drive and the view from the cockpit over the XK's fabulously shaped bonnet.

Currently offered in lefthand drive guise, depending where the lucky buyer intends to keep the car, it may be a consideration to undertake improvement to the woodwork when or if the car is converted to righthand drive. The purists amongst us may say this is sacrilege, but we believe cars like this should be used and if that amendment makes the new owner more comfortable, so be it.

Offered for sale from a private collection Without Reserve, the enthusiastic owner is keen to see the car enjoyed as it should be!