1952 Jaguar XK 120 HardTop Coupe

In the span of several months, the Jaguar XK120 was conceived, constructed, and introduced at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show. Its design was elegant and modern with sporty intentions that complemented its performance capabilities, which, at the time, was the world's fastest production car. Again, this entire project had taken only a few months to achieve these performance credentials and equally impressive shape. Initially, the body was hand-built of aluminum, but after its popularity far surpassed production capabilities, the XK120 was adapted to all-steel paneling built by the Pressed Steel Fisher COmpany. It retained its original design and differed from the aluminum coachwork in minor external details.

Powering the XK120 was the XK engine, which had been developed during the war and was intended for Jaguar's forthcoming Mark VII saloon. The six-cylinder unit displaced 3.4-liters and boasted twin overhead camshafts running in an aluminum-alloy cylinder head, seven main bearings, and a maximum output of 160bhp. With William Heynes' torsion bar independent front suspension, the shortened chassis of the Mark V saloon, and equipped with the potent engine, the XK120 was capable of exceeding 120 mph. In May of 1949, on the Jabbeke to Aeltre autoroute, an example with its hood and side screens in place recorded a speed of 126mph and 132mph with the hood and windscreen detached and an under-tray fitted.

This particular XK120 pays homage to the few competition-prepared XK120s from the period. It was completed during July of 1952 and left the factory with a left-hand drive configuration destined for the U.S. sports car market. The previous (and possibly its second) owner acquired it in 2004 and began a restoration. The goal was to build a tastefully prepared Jaguar sports competition car, paying homage to the XK120Cs that raced in period.

Lone Star Vintage Restoration of Houston, Texas performed the restoration at the cost of more than $150,000. The car was given a 3.8-liter competition Jaguar XK engine with high-lift cams, enlarged valves and 9:1 compression, plus triple Weber carburetors and sparked by dual-point ignition. A dyno test revealed the engine to produce 320 plus bhp at 5,200 RPM. The original matching-numbers 3.4-Liter engine was retained, safely crated, and remains with the vehicle. A 5-speed Borg Warner gearbox was fitted, along with side exhaust, period correct Le Mans style louvres on the bonnet and front fenders along with Le Mans style quick-filler fuel cap and a leather bonnet strap. The stock bumpers were removed, a competition-grade suspension installed, along with disc brakes and Borrani wire wheels. The interior houses custom alloy leather-upholstered bucket seats with competition-style seatbelts, a classic wood-rimmed steering wheel, and a racing windscreen.

Following the restoration, the car was used on several rallies and driving events including the Colorado Grand.

The car was acquired by its current caretaker around 2007.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2022