1950 XK-120  |
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Image credits: © Jaguar.
1949 Jaguar XK120 Alloy news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Roadster Chassis Num: 146 |
The car is powered by a twin-overhead-cam, 6-cylinder, 3,442 cc (3.4 liter) engine developing 160 horsepower couple to a 4-speed manual transmission. The chassis consists of independent front suspension and Lockheed hydraulic drum brakes. The vehicle weighs 2,800 pounds.
With Stirling Moss at the wheel, an XK 120 won the Tourist Trophy at Dundrod and the Silverstone race in 1950 and many more trophies followed.
This car is believed to have been owned by Clark Gable but is not fully documented.
A two-year restoration was completed in 1998.
 |  |  | Roadster Chassis Num: 670025 |
| Sold for $242,000 at 2013 Gooding & Company. | |||
The car was built on November 9th of 1949. It was originally finished in black with red leather upholstery. The car was sold through US Jaguar distributor Max Hoffman in New York City and immediately used as a race car. It is believed that noted driver M.R.J. 'Doc' Wyllie campaigned this car in East Coast sports car races before he acquired a C-Type in 1954.
This car was continuously updated with more advanced Jaguar components to help keep it competitive through the years. It has been given a 3.8-liter engine, C-Type head, larger SU carburetors, disc brakes and lightweight C-Type bucket seats.
The car was jointly owned for many years by Paul Peattie and Ali Lugo d'Armas. Subsequent owners include Rob Mooney who continued to race the Jaguar in vintage events at VIR Lime Rock, and Bridgehampton.
The current owner acquired the car in 2007 and immediately commissioned an exhaustive nut-and-bolt restoration. Between 2007 and 2009, the car was completely restored to concours standards while integrating the finest mechanical features for improved performance and drivability.
The 3.8-liter engine is equipped with SU sandcast carburetors, reworked camshafts, and a ported and polished C-Type head. The engine now produces more than 300 horsepower. There is an improved Borg-Warner five-speed gearbox with front disc brakes and lightweight Dunlop racing wheels.
The car is finished in Battleship Grey with brown leather upholstery. There are rare C-Type-style lightweight seats, Brooklands screens, leather bonnet strap, outside fuel filler, Lucas tri-beam headlamps, and auxiliary spotlights.
In August of 2009, the car was shown at the Carmel-By-The-Seas Concours where it earned Best in Class honors. In 2010, it was shown at the Amelia Island Concours and the Belmont Concours d'Elegance. In 2011, it participated in the Presidio of San Francisco Concours d'Elegance.
The car has completed both the California Mille and the Colorado Grand without incident. Since its restoration, the car has been driven just 2,500 miles.
Though not installed, the car still retains its XK120 windshield, tool roll, JDHT Certificate, and a complete file of restoration and service receipts.
 |  |  | Roadster Chassis Num: 670005 |
| Sold for $385,000 at 2011 Gooding & Company. | |||
It was dispatched on August 17th of 1949 and was the fifth left-hand drive XK to leave the factory. It was delivered to the Manhattan car dealer Max Hoffman. Shortly after receiving the car, Hoffman brought it to the second annual Watkins Glen Grand Prix. The car was used as the official parade vehicle prior to the start of the weekend's main event.
Either during or prior to the Watkins Glen event, 670005 was sold to Austin James of New York. The next owner was Donald Batchelder, followed by the Brockman family in 1957. The Brockman's would retain the car for the next three decades. The current caretaker took possession of the car in 1985. The car was complete, but was in need of a sympathetic restoration. Between October 2005 and June of 2008, the car was given a no-expense-spared complete cosmetic and mechanical restoration.
Upon completion, the car was put on the show circuit, beginning at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in 2009. At the JCNA biennial Challenge Championship in San Antonio, Texas, this XK was hailed as the 2009 Concours Champion in Class C02 (Champion Class). During its next appearance, at the 2009 Jaguar Club of Florida Concours, the XK was bestowed with Best of Show and Best of Class honors, scoring a perfect 100 points. At the Suncoast Jaguar Club Concours later that year, it received yet another 100-point judgment and received First Place in the Champion Class. 670005 was judged at an average score of 99.99 points by JCNA for the 2009 Concours Championship season.
670005 won the JCNA award in both 2009 and 2010 for First Place in Slalom Class B (1949—1961 XK120, 140 and 150) and, in so doing, recorded the fastest time in JCNA history, eclipsing the previous record set in 1997.
In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Amelia Island, Florida where it was estimated to sell for $375,000 - $550,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $385,000 including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2011
 |  |  | Roadster Chassis Num: 670003 Engine Num: W1004-8 |
 | Roadster Chassis Num: 670059 Engine Num: W 1112-8 | |
| Sold for $280,500 at 2012 RM Auctions. | ||
It has pressed steel wheels and rear wheel spats. It was given a comprehensive restoration by RM Restoration in 1990. The twin-cam XK engine and SU carburetors offer 160 horsepower and there is a four-speed manual transmission.
In 2012, this car was offered for sale at RM Auctions Monterey, California sale. It was estimated to sell for $300,000 - $350,000. As bidding came to a close, the car was sold for the sum of $280,500 inclusive of buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2012
The Jaguar XK120 was designed to be a prestigious vehicle and produced in low numbers. The designation '120' represented the vehicles top speed of 120 miles-per-hour. At the time, it was the fastest production car in the world.
The British automotive industry was greatly influenced by World War II. Many manufacturers went out of business due to the lack of funds, fuel and supply shortages, or their factories had been destroyed during the war. In order to stay in business, a solid production line was required that could compete with its class of vehicles. William Lyons, owner of Jaguar, did so by creating a new class - one that was faster, more reliable, stylish, and cheaper than any other vehicle on the market.
To gain industry recognition, Lyons knew that he needed a show car that was revolutionary and bold. Lyons handled the styling while his chief engineer, William Heynes, was tasked with designing the mechanical components. When the vehicle was displayed at Earls Court, the reaction was overwhelming. Originally, Lyons planned to make between 100 and 200 examples. After the public reaction to the car and to keep up with demand, he decided to change the body from hand-formed aluminum to all-steel construction.
The body of the car was reminiscent to the 'French Curves' produced by manufacturers such as Bugatti and Delahaye of the early 1930's and 1940's. They were created in three different body styles, roadster, fixed head, and drop head (convertible).
The vehicle was powered by a 160 horsepower, 3.4 liter, inline-six cylinder engine. Peak horsepower was achieved at 5000 RPM. The 120-mph was the promised speed, the top speed of the vehicle was around 126-132 mph depending on the trim of the vehicle.
The vehicle was designed as a touring car. However, many of the vehicles were raced. Their main weaknesses were their drum brakes which wore quickly, and their steering which was heavy and less responsive when compared to other purpose-built racing vehicles.
In 1951, Jaguar entered the grueling 24-hour of Le Mans endurance race. Three XK120C, the 'C' representing 'competition', were entered. One of the three entrants won the event.
In 1952, an XK120 was driven continuously for seven days and nights around a track located in Montlhery, France. After more than 16,000 miles in one week, the vehicle once again proved its endurance capabilities.
In 1954 production ceased. Over 12,000 examples were produced.
By Daniel Vaughan | May 2008
For more information and related vehicles, click hereThe British automotive industry was greatly influenced by World War II. Many manufacturers went out of business due to the lack of funds, fuel and supply shortages, or their factories had been destroyed during the war. In order to stay in business, a solid production line was required that could compete with its class of vehicles. William Lyons, owner of Jaguar, did so by creating a new class - one that was faster, more reliable, stylish, and cheaper than any other vehicle on the market.
To gain industry recognition, Lyons knew that he needed a show car that was revolutionary and bold. Lyons handled the styling while his chief engineer, William Heynes, was tasked with designing the mechanical components. When the vehicle was displayed at Earls Court, the reaction was overwhelming. Originally, Lyons planned to make between 100 and 200 examples. After the public reaction to the car and to keep up with demand, he decided to change the body from hand-formed aluminum to all-steel construction.
The body of the car was reminiscent to the 'French Curves' produced by manufacturers such as Bugatti and Delahaye of the early 1930's and 1940's. They were created in three different body styles, roadster, fixed head, and drop head (convertible).
The vehicle was powered by a 160 horsepower, 3.4 liter, inline-six cylinder engine. Peak horsepower was achieved at 5000 RPM. The 120-mph was the promised speed, the top speed of the vehicle was around 126-132 mph depending on the trim of the vehicle.
The vehicle was designed as a touring car. However, many of the vehicles were raced. Their main weaknesses were their drum brakes which wore quickly, and their steering which was heavy and less responsive when compared to other purpose-built racing vehicles.
In 1951, Jaguar entered the grueling 24-hour of Le Mans endurance race. Three XK120C, the 'C' representing 'competition', were entered. One of the three entrants won the event.
In 1952, an XK120 was driven continuously for seven days and nights around a track located in Montlhery, France. After more than 16,000 miles in one week, the vehicle once again proved its endurance capabilities.
In 1954 production ceased. Over 12,000 examples were produced.
By Daniel Vaughan | May 2008
| KARL LUDVIGSEN SPEAKING IN WATKINS GLEN ON APRIL 13 | |
 | Automobile industry insider and author/historian Karl Ludvigsen will speak about his experiences in the worlds of cars and racing on April 13 at the International Motor Racing Research Center. The free talk, part of the on-going Center Conversations speaker series, will be at 1 p.m. at the Center located at 610 S. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, N.Y. It is open to all. 'A Lifetime on Wheels' will be an illustrated presentation based on Ludvigsen's careers as an executive in the motor industry...[Read more...] |
| A Piece of Hollywood and Jaguar History | |
 | Clark Gable's 'Best in Class' 1949 XK120 This weekend, a very special XK120 graced the judging field at the 62nd Pebble Beach Concours d' Elegance. This particular XK120 is significant, not only because it was named 'Best in Class,' but because its first owner was none other than Hollywood icon Clark Gable, a devoted Jaguar enthusiast. Gable's XK120, chassis No. 670003, was judged 'Best in Class' in the 'Postwar Sports Open' category. The car is owned by Mr. Jeff Lotman, of Los Ang...[Read more...] |
| Mercedes-Benz at Pebble Beach Automotive Week: An Expression of Fascinating Design and Innovation | |
 | •Historical Tribute to SL: W194 Chassis No. 2, 7 and 11 among 300SL vehicles on display •The Concept Style Coupé opens a new chapter and generation of Mercedes-Benz vehicles •AMG 45 year anniversary highlights the pinnacle of performance and style A tribute to Mercedes-Benz SL Roadsters is set for Pebble Beach Automotive Week with three 1952 W194 vehicles among a mix of vintage and new vehicles bearing the three-pointed star that express the marque's breadth and depth of fascinating desi...[Read more...] |
| Mercedes-Benz at Pebble Beach: An Expression of Fascinating Design and Innovation | |
 | • Historical Tribute to SL: W194 Chassis No. 2, 7 and 11 among 300SL vehicles on display • The Concept Style Coupé opens a new chapter and generation of Mercedes-Benz vehicles • AMG 45 year anniversary highlights the pinnacle of performance and style A tribute to Mercedes-Benz SL Roadsters is set for Pebble Beach weekend with three 1952 W194 vehicles among a mix of vintage and new vehicles bearing the three-pointed star that express the marque's breadth and depth of fascinating design and ...[Read more...] |
| 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans: Confirmation of a Great | |
 | When it came to success in motor racing, Salvadori was blessed behind the wheel of a sports car. Throughout the 1950s, there really weren't too many drivers more successful. However, at Le Mans, Salvadori's would be left fighting for a race finish just about as badly as he had been throughout the majority of his Formula One career. But in 1958, things would turn around in the Formula One World Championship. Could the same thing happen for Salvadori at Le Mans a year later? Just 24 hours awaited ...[Read more...] |
 1949
Jaguar
models |
| Jaguar Mark V |
| Jaguar Parkinson Special |
| Jaguar XK120 |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Audi | BMW |
| Honda | Infiniti |
| Land Rover | Lexus |
| Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Saab | Subaru |
| Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Volvo | |
| Similarly Sized Vehicles from 1949 |
| Jaguar XK120 |
| Morris Minor |
| Similarly Priced Vehicles from 1949 |
| Lincoln Cosmopolitan ($3,185-$3,945) |
| Jaguar XK120 ($3,950-$3,950) |
Average Auction Sale: $281,417 |
| Jaguar: 1941-1950 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Jaguar History |
| Other models by Jaguar |
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| 1950 XK-120 |
