Jaguar XK-120, 1950 XK-120 Pictures, News, Reviews, and Info | Conceptcarz.com - Pictures, Wallpaper, Pricing, Information, History

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Steel bodied Roadster

This is a very early 'steel' car with aluminum bonnet, boot lid and doors which has chrome side lights, short convertible top with fixed windows, tall dash pot carburetors, flat top distributor, boat propeller fan and many other features. The car has its original engine and all accessories, original transmission and running gear and original body bonnet, boot lid and doors.

The car under went a two-year frame off restoration, which was completed in June of 1999. Since that time the car has won many firsts at concours events across the country.

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Steel bodied Roadster
Chassis Num: W18608
Engine Num: W1860-8

This 1950 Jaguar XK120 Roadster was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held at Meadow Brook where it was estimated to sell between $70,000 - $90,000. This car is powered by a 3442 cc twin overhead cam six-cylinder engine that is capable of producing 160 horsepower. It has a four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drum brakes. Since new, this car has been treated to a complex restoration. It is finished in red with tan Connolly leather interior. On all four corners are the correct steel wheels and fender spats. In the back can be found a period correct stainless steel exhaust system.

The Jaguar Xk120 Series was very reminiscent of the 'French Curves' of the pre-War era from marque's such as Delahaye and Bugatti. The styling was by William Lyons, owner of Jaguar, and was revolutionary and bold. His chief engineer, William Heynes, was tasked with designing the mechanical components. The XK120 was offered in three different body styles including roadsters, fixed head, and drop head.

The XK120 is always a popular vehicle no matter where it goes. At auction, this again proved to be true, as bidding climaxed at $82,500 including buyers premium and was sold.

Alloy Roadster
Chassis Num: 670119
Engine Num: W1192-8

The Jaguar XK120 was meant to be a low production model, but it was considerably more desirable and popular than expected, resulting in higher-than-expected production numbers. It was to have ash-framed alloy coachwork, but this was later replaced by steel after 240 examples had been produced. The alloy had been too expensive to produce.

This car with chassis number 670119 is a left-hand drive vehicle. It was manufactured on February 8th of 1950 and sold by Max Hoffman in New York. It is fitted with the lightweight, alloy-bodied coachwork and one of the few to have survived into modern times.

It is believed that modifications were made by the factory to prepare this for competition. It does not have welding scars from the rear trunk shelf, meaning the back was not raised to accommodate a spare. There is no skirt recess on the rear fender and no lead in the arch. It has a 9.0:1 compression ratio, larger valves, modified camshafts, and twin sand-cast 2-inch SU carburetors. Rather than bucket seats, this car is equipped with LeMans specification racing seats. The aero screen is also a LeMans items. On all four corners are original racing brake drums and Borrani hubs and wire wheels.

From 1985 to 2005 the car was part of the Walter Hill Collection. It was sold at Bonhams' Goodwood Revival Meeting Sale in September of 2005. It was originally painted pale blue but now wears a sand color.

In 2007 it was brought to the Bonhams Auction, An Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia, held at the Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club in Carmel, California. The lot was sold for $180,000 plus premiums and taxes.

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.

Photos grouped by event
Bonhams, An Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia	Vintage Motor Car Auction at Meadow Brook Hall	Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance	2005 Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance
2005 PVGP Car Show

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