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1949 Jaguar XK120

In October of 1948, at the Earls Court Motor Show in London, Britain witnessed the emergence of the Jaguar XK120. It was a show-piece car for the Jaguar name and intended to be produced in low volume as a 'specialty car'. Initially dubbed the XK Open Two Seater Super Sport, it was quickly changed to the XK 120 to capitalize on the vehicle's top speed - 120 miles per hour. The 'X' represented the 'experimental' engine type while the letter 'K' was the sequence.

William Lyons, the creator and owner of the Jaguar Cars Ltd. Company, had commissioned the chief engineer William Heynes to develop a modern sedan that could endure the post-war marketplace. What was designed and coupled to a six-cylinder dual overhead cam engine was truly a masterpiece that has stood the test of time.

The 120 mile-per-hour fact was important; it made it the fastest standard production car in the world (it was even faster when the windscreen was removed). The success of this aluminum-bodied vehicle was based on its performance, styling, and value. Priced very affordably, it was often much less than the competition. The problem was that the XK 120 was intended to be produced in low volume. The very early models featured an aluminum body. After the introduction, the demand for the vehicle was overwhelming. The body material was changed to metal so it could be produced on a production line, thus eliminating the need for the slow process of hand-building each vehicle. Two-hundred and forty-two open two-seater examples were produced with wooden frames and aluminum shells. Most, except five or six models, were exported. The metal body was nearly identical to the aluminum except for some hard-to-spot panels that had minor differences in the curvature. The all-steel bodies introduced in early 1950 were approximately 112 lbs heavier than the aluminum bodies.

Mechanical Specification

The XK 120 featured a 3442 cc 6-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower at 5,000 RPM. The XK 120 SE produced 180 horsepower, while the XK 120M produced 210. Hydraulic drum brakes were fitted on all four tires. A four-speed manual gearbox was standard while the SE models received Overdrive to increase the performance. The front suspension was independent with a live rear axle. After 1951, a heater was included as standard equipment.

The Jaguar XK120 rested on a 102-inch wheelbase, had an overall length of 173 inches, was 61.5 inches wide, and 52.5 inches tall.

The 1948 London Motor Show

At the 1948 London Motor Show, Jaguar displayed the first prototype, chassis number 660001. Fitted with the new Jaguar XK engine designed by Jaguar Chief Engineer William Heynes, its exterior styling was similar to the production cars that would soon follow. Only minor differences distinguished the prototype from the production cars, including the straight outer pillars of its windscreen, while the production examples had curved pillars.

The first production XK120, chassis number 670003, was delivered to Clark Gable.

Competition, Rallying, and Performance

The XK 120 was durable. In 1952 an XK 120 coupe was driven on a track in Montlhery, France, by a team of racing drivers including Stirling Moss. For seven days and night, the vehicle was driven constantly. At the completion of the week, it had traveled over 16,860 miles and averaged 100 mph.

In 1951, the XK 120 was entered in the grueling 24-hour of Le Mans race. Three vehicles were purpose-built and dubbed the XK 120C model. The 'C' represented 'competition. This would be the first of five Jaguar victories at Le Mans in seven years. A Jaguar XK 120C won the event while averaging 93.49 miles per hour.

In the United States, Jaguar and MG are credited with jump-starting the American Sports Car market after World War II. Chevrolet would later answer with their Corvette. It was the sensual styling and performance of the British cars that stimulated the desires of the American public. Road & Track magazine performed independent testing and found the vehicle capable of 121.6 mph and a zero-to-sixty time of 10.1 seconds. It was claimed by many as the greatest touring car in the world.

Production

The XK 120 was produced from 1949 through 1954, when it was replaced with the XK 140. During its life span, 7,630 roadsters, 2,678 coupes and 1,769 convertibles were produced. Roadsters were dubbed 'OTS' or Open Top Sportsters. The 'DHC' meant 'Drop Head Coupe' while 'FHC' represented 'Fixed Head Coupe.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: 670056
Engine number: W1108-8

Jaguar built just 242 alloy-bodied XK120 roadsters, many of which have been converted to competition use. This particular example is a left-hand drive example with rear fender spats and disc wheels - just 184 were built in this configuration.

This car was the 56th of the small LHD series and left the Coventry works on December 14th of 1949 and was shipped to the company's New York distributor, Max Hoffman, on the third of January, 1950. It is not known who original purchased the vehicle. It remained in the United States until the late 1960s, at which time it was sold to a French collector. It participated in the 50th Anniversary celebration of the 24 Hours of LeMans endurance race, first run in 1923. Around 1978, this Jaguar was sold to another collector with the intent of displaying it at a racing museum at Montlhéry. During the period 2006-2007, this car was treated to a comprehensive no-expense-spared restoration in Europe and brought back to original specification.

The car is currently in its factory original colors including the red leather interior. At a recent JCNA Concours d'Elegance in Southern California, this car received an almost-perfect 99.67 points of 100 possible, and took 1st place in the event.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster

The Jaguar XK120 was manufactured in England by Jaguar Car Ltd. between 1948 and 1954. The XK was the first post-war from the marque, succeeding the SS 100 which ended production in 1940 after the start of World War II. The XK120 was launched at the 1948 London Motor Show and highlighted the new XK engine. The XK engine is a dual overhead cam 3.4-liter, straight 6 with an alloy cylinder head and twin side-draft SU carburetors that develops 160 horsepower. 'The Motor' magazine reported a top speed of 124.6 mph in 0 to 60 in 10 seconds making it among the most powerful of sports cars. This XK is among the first 240 manufactured with alloy bodies on ash framework and was raced extensively by Roger Barlow of International Motors in Los Angeles, with mechanic Phil Hill.

The Jaguar XK120 celebrated its 60th birthday in 2008. The XK120 was the first sports car produced by Jaguar after the war. The name '120' came from the impressive 120 mph top speed of this vehicle.

The XK120 was a very important model for Jaguar. The company's impact on sports cars and road racing can't be overstated. During the early 1950's, road racing in California was taking off. International Motors was the authorized Jaguar Dealer in Hollywood, California and Roger Barlow was its owner. Barlow helped with the founding of the California Sports Car club.

Many of the early pioneers in racing came thru Barlow's International Motors. Phil Hill started as a young mechanic there. John Von Newman, Richie Ginther, Stan Nowak and other raced or were associated with the dealership.

This example is a rare alloy-bodied version. It was owned and raced by Roger Barlow. In fact, it competed at the very first California Sports Car Club race on April 16, 1950. While it still wears its race gear, the car has been judged at JCNA meets and has been celebrated at shows around the country.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: 670005

There were 240 hand-built, alloy-bodied roadsters constructed, and this example (chassis number 670005), was the first XK120 imported into the United States. It left the Jaguar factory in the non-standard color of Blue Sheen, and was the only example that was painted in this shade.

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 Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: 146

This example, #146, is one of 242 hand-built aluminum body XK-120s of which only approximately 50 survive. The alloy XK-120 was the fastest production car of its time - capable of 120 miles per hour. This car has the original body, engine and gearbox.

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 number: 679902

This XK120 is only the 25th left-hand-drive example built by Jaguar; early cars like this one were hand-built with aluminum bodies on ash wood frames. And many of them were raced out of the box, as may have been the case for this example. In 1950 Jaguar switched to mass-production using pressed-steel bodies. Early XK120s posted top speeds over 120 mph in magazine testing, and a specially prepared example reached almost 137 mph, making it the world's fastest production car. This car was imported through Max Hoffman, who was responsible for bringing many great European cars to America. This car has Brooklands screens, Lucas flamethrowers, and Dunlop racing wheels.

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.

JAGUAR – 75 YEARS LOOKING FORWARD

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Jaguar name, and 75 years of looking forward, designing and building cars that represent the very best of technical innovation, design leadership and sporting success.

Mike O'Driscoll, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars, said: 'In 2010 we celebrate our past, and 75 years of designing and building cars that celebrate the art of automobile making. We're also celebrating the promise of the future, and the introduction of the all-new XJ. In just three years we've completely revitalized the Jaguar line-up with the launch of three beautiful fast cars'.

Just a few years ago Jaguar set out to re-make the brand and to revitalize the model range. It started in 2008 with the introduction of the all-new award-winning XF. This four door, five seat car has the looks of a coupe and the heart of a sports car. In 2009 Jaguar re-engineered the XK coupe and convertible, and in the process created one of the world's great grand tourers. And, 2010 sees the beginning of sales of the ground-breaking XJ, which incorporates all of the virtues that make a Jaguar.

Mike O'Driscoll added: 'The development of our new range of cars is all part of making Jaguar the modern, sporting company that it was under our founder Sir Williams Lyons – a company that made its name creating cars that were innovative, exciting and always original.'

Ian Callum, Jaguar Design Director, said: 'Jaguar design over the next 75 years must respect and reflect on the past 75 while continuing to push boundaries of technology, luxury and sporting style. Designing cars with a presence that demands a turn of the head and an allure that pulls at the heart has been central to the Jaguar brand throughout the years.

'A successful piece of design should stand the test of time, holding it's own through passing fashions. Jaguar has a range of cars that are as iconic today as they were when launched – testament to Jaguar's legacy in creating beautiful fast cars.

'Looking at the present with the XK, XF and all-new XJ and with an eye on the future, we will continue to innovate and set the benchmark, not only in automotive design, but in luxury premium design as a whole.'

Sir William Lyons founded Swallow Sidecars in 1922, and went on to create a range of 'SS' branded motorcycle sidecars and automobiles in the 1920s and early 1930s. When it came to the launch of the all-new SS 100 in 1935, Sir William wanted a new and evocative name for his company. After asking his advertising agency for suggestions, Sir William chose 'Jaguar', and the SS 100 model became the world's first Jaguar.

The ‘Jaguar' name was an ideal choice - it represented the feline grace and elegance, power and agility that set his cars apart. Sir William once said that a car 'was the closest thing we can create to something that is alive', a sentiment that has stood the test of time. The new brand name captured the essence of all of the cars created from that point forward.

Over the years Jaguar has built some of the world's most iconic cars; the XK120, introduced in the late 1940s, was an instant sensation and the most glamorous sports car of the period; the C Type and D Type race cars that followed, dominated motor racing in the 1950s; the E-Type, launched in the heady 1960s, has been called the most beautiful car ever built and it defined a whole generation. Sports cars have always defined Jaguar, but the Company has also built some of the Industry's most memorable sedans, such as the Mark II in the early 1960's and the renowned XJ range.

During the year Jaguar will celebrate our 75th anniversary at some of the world's most glamorous automotive settings, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Revival in the UK; the Concours D'Elegance at Pebble Beach in the US and at the Mille Miglia classic in Italy. Jaguar is also returning to the racetrack with its new JaguarRSR XKR GT2 and will compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS).

by Jaguar

Roadster

All Jaguar 120's built between 1948 and 1950 (242 in total) were essentially hand built, with aluminum bodies on ash frames. The 120 was powered by the in-line six with dual overhead camshafts and twin side-draft SU carburetors. With standard compression (8:1) it developed 160 horsepower. That engine, with modifications, remained in production through 1987.

The 120 chassis featured independent torsion bar front suspension, leaf springs at the rear, recirculating ball steering, and front and rear drum brakes (that were prone to fade).

Roadster
Chassis number: 670003
Engine number: W1004-8

This Jaguar XK120 roadster, with chassis number 670003, is the first left-hand drive XK120 built by Jaguar. It was dispatched September 5, 1959, to Los Angeles distributor Charles Hornburg and went immediately to the Hollywood dealership of Roger Barlow to be handed over to Hollywood legend Clark Gable. He had it painted in a special color that would become known as 'Gable Gray.' The car still has Clark's Automobile Club de L'll de France, Auto Club de Suisse and Association Internationale des Automobile Clubs Reconnus badges as fitted during his ownership.

Roadster
Chassis number: 670059
Engine number: W 1112-8

This Jaguar XK120 roadster is an early example of the 184 left-hand drive alloy cars built, chassis number 59. This open two-seater left-hand drive car was completed on December 16th of 1949 and shipped to the Canadian distributor, James L. Cooke Motors in Toronto, Canada. It came finished in Red with a Biscuit and Red leather interior and a black soft top, in similar fashion to its current color scheme.

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 Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: 670061
Engine number: W 1114-8

The Jaguar XK120 was a sensational and popular vehicle even though it was originally intended as a limited-edition stopgap model. War had just ended and the world was ready to pick-up where it left off. Cars were in short supply and William Lyons assumed that the fortune of his company, the recently re-named Jaguar Cars Ltd., would be made on saloon cars, especially in the U.S. market. A new dual overhead-cam six-cylinder 160 horsepower engine was developed to power a new luxury sports four-door. The new car was not ready, so it was decided to introduce the engine in a limited run of alloy-bodied roadster. The new roadster, dubbed the XK120, made its debut at the 1948 Earl's Court Motor Show.

A high speed run on a Belgian highway in 1949 proved the roadster was capable of 126 mph with its windshield on and 132 mph without.

Jaguar produced 240 alloy bodied cars before production was shifted to more easily manageable steel, which was now more widely available following post-war material shortages.

This particular example, chassis number 670061, is the 61st Alloy Roadster built, and is one of 184 delivered with left-hand drive. The original owner is believed to have been Roger Thomas, of Connecticut, and it was later converted to right-hand drive, and refinished in silver with blue leather, as it appears today.

The car was acquired by Mr. Swimmer around 2005 from his friend Don Williams, of the Blackhawk Collection. Mr. Williams had purchased the car as part of a package of cars from England, where it is believed to have remained for some time with its then-owner. When Mr. Swimmer purchased the car, it did not have rear-wheel spats, and it did not run well. Those issues were soon addressed.

Currently, the car has its original tool set, full disc wheel covers and rear fender spats, and Verdestian radial tires.

Roadster
Chassis number: 670060
Engine number: W 1113-8

This Jaguar is one of only one hundred eight-four examples built with left-hand drive and the alloy body. The car was completed on December 19th of 1949 and dispatched on January 11, 1950 to Charles Hornburg, the Los Angeles importer. The car was then delivered to a Mr. J.L Albert through Clayrich Motors in St. Louis. As delivered, the car was finished in black with a Biscuit and Pigskin interior and a black roadster top.

The car wears an older rotisserie restoration with a recent cosmetic touch-up. The present owner acquired the car in Pennsylvania in 2001.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: 670111
Engine number: W 1216-8

The first Jaguar XK120 built for the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show in London, was built in six weeks. The early cars were built with aluminum panels over a wood frame since aluminum was light and easy to work. Originally, William Lyons planned on selling just 200 examples of the XK 120 but demand quickly changed those estimates. The orders poured in so fast that he switched from aluminum to steel bodies, which could be built much faster, and in greater numbers.

Production of the XK 120 lasted from 1949 through 1954 with 7,631 examples built. Of those, 242 examples were clothed in aluminum.

This particular example was manufactured on January 1950 and shipped on February 10th to CAMAV, the Jaguar distributor in Caracas, Venezuela. It left the factory finished in Red over Biscuit and Red upholstery, with a fawn soft top. The second owner was James Caraher of Tacoma, Washington, in 1979. While in Caraher's care, it was treated to a restoration and later sold to Robert Ames of Seattle in the late 1980s. Ames proceeded to refine the restoration.

Shortly after the work was completed, it was entered in the fourth Biennial JCNA Concours at Bend, Oregon, in August 1989, winning its class with 99.36 points as well as being awarded Best of Show.

In the early 2000s, the car was acquired by its current owner.

The car has its correct tool kit, air pump, jack, rare aluminum-hub brake drums, and original engine block. The cylinder head is an unstamped replacement unit.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster

This was the 26th alloy bodied XK120 and one of 240 produced. It was exported to Buenos Aries in 1949 and purchased by race car driver Carlos Lostalo.

The car changed hands several times and continued to be raced in Argentina for many years. The car is powered by a 3.4 liter 6-cylinder engine developing 160 horsepower.

This numbers matching car was purchased from two time Argentine National Champion Bitito Mires's son-in-law and imported to the United States in 2007 after racing and spending 58 years in Argentina.

Roadster

This 1949 Jaguar XK 120 is number 20 of 242 alloy, hand-built examples built, and one of only 54 produced in right-hand drive. It was raced during the 1950s in Australia, including legendary circuits such as Mt. Panorama at Bathurst.

The Jaguar XK120 was designed to be a prestigious vehicle and produced in low numbers. The designation '120' represented the vehicle's 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, the 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 of 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', was 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 Dan Vaughan