 1952 XK 120 | 1954 XK-120  |
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1953 Jaguar XK120 news, pictures, and information | ||
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 | Sport Convertible |
The first restoration of this car was completed in 1977 at a cost of $5,000 and the death of four parts cars. The second restoration was completed over a four-year period by Jaguar South. It is a true driver and has never gone more than two weeks without a good workout. The current owner purchased this car in 1973 for $400.
 |  |  | Sport Roadster Chassis Num: 672536 |
| Sold for $80,300 at 2007 RM Auctions. | |||
The XK 120 model line was first introduced at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show. Originally, only two-hundred examples were to be produced. After its public appearance, and seeing the interest in the vehicle, William Lyons, Jaguars Founder, ordered tooling for steel bodywork so these cars could be produced in larger quantities.
The car offered style and performance at an affordable price. It was the fastest production car in the world at the time.
This example shown is a two-owner vehicle and the product of a recent, complete restoration. It is finished in British Racing Green and British Racing Green carpet and Biscuit colored leather.
At auction, the beautiful restoration was rewarded and its exquisite design inspired bidding, and the estimated value was achieved. The car found a new owner at a price of $80,300.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2007
 |  |  | Hardtop Coupe |
This example was a 'barn find' in the late 1990s and has undergone a lengthy total restoration.
 |  | Hardtop Coupe Chassis Num: S680992 Engine Num: W7957-8S |
| Sold for $93,143 (€69,000) at 2009 Bonhams. Sold for $72,600 at 2012 Gooding & Company. | ||
At the conclusion of the Worldwide Group the vehicle was left unsold.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2012
 |  |  | Sport Roadster |
It soon became clear that the XK 120 was not only a beautiful machine but a formidable racing competitor. At its racing debut in August of 1949, it took the first two places at Silverstone. With Stirling Moss at the wheel, an XK120 won the Tourist Trophy at Dundrod and the Silverstone in 1950. The twin-overhead-cam, 6-cylinder engine has a displacement of 3.4 Liters, producing 160 horsepower, with a 4-speed transmission, and a top speed of 120 mph.
The Roadster recently completed a frame-off restoration by Tsikuris Classics in Lakeland, Florida. It received the Best-In-Show Award at the Miami International Auto Show - Memory Land (AACA) Display.
 | Sport Roadster Chassis Num: S 673526 Engine Num: W 7362-8S | |
| Sold for $114,186 (€86,250) at 2010 Bonhams. | ||
In 2012, the car was offered for sale at Bonhams Auction in Monaco. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of €86,250 including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2013
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
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 1953
Jaguar
models |
| Jaguar C-Type |
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Average Auction Sale: $80,054 |
| Jaguar: 1951-1960 |
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| 1.5 Litre C-Type D-Type E-Series | Mark Mark IV Mark IX Mark V | Mark VII Mark X S-Type SS 100 | SS II X-Type XF XJ | XJ-S XJ220 XJR Group 44, IMSA, and Group C XK | XK Series XKSS |
| 1952 XK 120 | 1954 XK-120 |
