 1950 XK-120 | 1952 XK 120  |
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1951 Jaguar XK120 news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | XK120 LT2 Racer |
A few lightweight Jaguar XK120s were constructed; around 240 or 242 examples were built with alloy bodies, and were intended for competition.
There were two (some sources say 3) examples of the LT2 constructed; they were intended for competition at the 1951 LeMans 24 Hours race in the event that the XK120C was not ready in time for competition. The C-Types were ready and time and went on to win the race.
This example is a Jaguar XK120 LT2 2-seater racer. It is seen here at the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
 |  | Roadster Chassis Num: 660792 |
Mr. Robertson moved to the U.S. where he showed it extensively at various Concours and charity events until its sale to the current owners in 2008. The vehicle was raced extensively and the current owner performed a full refresh in 2010.
The XK120 was launched as a roadster at the 1948 London Motor Show and caused such a sensation it was quickly put into production. It earned much success competing on road-racing circuits and was Jaguar's first sports car since the SS100 which ended production in 1940.
The '120' referred to its 120 mph top speed, which made the XK120 the world's fastest standard production car at the time. With alloy cylinder heads and twin side-draft carburetors, the dual overhead cam 3.4 L straight six was comparatively advanced for a mass-produced unit of the time. It is also equipped with the rare Don Busch Turbo Vent wheels, of which only 10 sets were ever built for Australian race vehicles.
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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 1951
Jaguar
models |
| Jaguar Mark V |
| Jaguar Type C |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Audi | BMW |
| Honda | Infiniti |
| Land Rover | Lexus |
| Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Saab | Subaru |
| Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Volvo | |
| Similarly Sized Vehicles from 1951 |
| Jowett Jupiter |
| Lancia Aurelia B50 |
| Simca 8 Sport |
| Similarly Priced Vehicles from 1951 |
| Lincoln Cosmopolitan ($3,125-$3,890) |
| Buick Roadmaster Series 70 ($3,143-$3,977) |
| Chrysler New Yorker ($3,350-$4,025) |
| Chrysler Saratoga ($2,990-$4,240) |
| Cadillac Series 62 ($3,440-$3,985) |
| Jaguar Mark V ($3,750-$3,850) |
Average Auction Sale: $72,722 |
| Jaguar: 1951-1960 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Jaguar History |
| Other models by Jaguar |
| Manufacturer Website |
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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 |
| 1950 XK-120 | 1952 XK 120 |
