☰
conceptcarz.com
✕

1953 Jaguar XK120

The Jaguar XK120 was conceived and constructed in just a few months before making its debut at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show in 1948. The demand for what was then the world's fastest production car took Jaguar by surprise and they found it difficult to keep pace with the demand, forcing them to re-think the XK120's method of construction. The body had been conceived as a coachbuilt, aluminum paneled structure with sales not expected to exceed 200 units in its first year. In conjunction with the Pressed Steel Fisher Company, a new all-steel paneled body was developed. Power was from the XK engine which had been developed prior to the war and had been intended for Jaguar's forthcoming Mark VII saloon. The six-cylinder 3.4-liter engine had a modern design with twin overhead camshafts, an aluminum-alloy cylinder head, seven main bearings, and produced 160 horsepower. The chassis was essentially a shortened version of the Mark V saloon and employed the William Heynes' torsion bar independent front suspension. In May 1949, on the Jabbeke to Aeltre autoroute, recorded a speed of 126 mph with its hood and side screens in place. With the hood and windscreen removed and an under-tray fitted, it had a record speed of 132 mph.

Coupe (introduced in 1951) and drophead coupe versions followed, along with the Special Equipment (SE) package with 180 hp for customers seeking even more power.

Production of the XK120 continued until 1954 with 12,078 examples built. 709 were left-hand drive SE dropheads. A total of 2,679 examples were Fixed head Coupes. 7,374 examples were steel-bodied roadsters.

The 1953 Jaguar XK120

In the United States, the Jaguar XK120 Sport Roadster (Open Two Seater) had a base price of $4,040, the Hardtop Coupe (Fixed Head) listed at $4,065, and the Sport Convertible (Drophead) at $4,250 (prices in USD). The standard 210 CID cubic-inch straight-six engine delivered 160 horsepower and the SE package boosted output to 180 hp. A four-speed manual transmission was standard, hydraulic brakes were front and rear, and steering was by a Buman recirculating ball.

The XK-120M Sport Roadster was priced at $4,435, the Hardtop Coupe at $4,460, and the Sport Convertible at $4,650.

by Dan Vaughan

Sport Convertible

Jaguar created a sensation when the XK120 was launched in October of 148. It was a true 120 MPH sports car with 160 horsepower from a 3.4-liter double-overhead cam engine. A total of 12,055 units of the XK model were produced.

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 number: 672536

This 1953 Jaguar XK 120 was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Amelia Island, Florida where it was estimated to sell between $80,000 - $100,000. It was offered without reserve. It is powered by a 3442cc twin-overhead am inline six-cylinder engine capable of producing 160 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drum brakes.

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 Dan Vaughan

Hardtop Coupe

It was the XK120 that brought Jaguar to prominence as a sports car builder and giant in the world of road racing. This legendary model was produced between 1949 and 1954. In that time, a total of 12,078 units were built, of which only 2,678 were fixed head coupes.

This example was a 'barn find' in the late 1990s and has undergone a lengthy total restoration.

Hardtop Coupe
Chassis number: S680992
Engine number: W7957-8S

The 1953 Jaguar XK120 SE Fixed Head Coupe finished in silver with a black leather interior was offered for sale at the 2006 Worldwide Group Auction held on Hilton Head Island where it was estimated to fetch between $75,000-$100,000. When first constructed it was finished in Baltic grey and had a red leather interior. It was constructed on March 24th of 1953 and its first owner was a resident of West Palm Beach, FL. It was used as a commuter car for a number of years before being sent to the United Kingdom where a restoration was undertaken. It was a participant in the 1990-1992 Pirelli Classic Marathon where it earned sixth in class the first year. The following two years it achieved second in class. In 1994 it was sent back to the United States and prepared for motor sports which included the addition of a roll bar and an engine rebuilt. The period C-type head, increased inlet valve size, and enlarged exhaust gave the vehicle over 200 horsepower. Its third owner campaigned the vehicle in six VSCCA races. Its fourth owner acquired the car in 1996 and had it prepared for the 19999 London to Monte Carlo Rally where suffered two flat tires but still managed to finish 13th in class.

At the conclusion of the Worldwide Group the vehicle was left unsold.

by Dan Vaughan

Sport Roadster

Comfort, beauty, performance, class - the Jaguar XK120 was a legend in its own time. The original XK 120 was a true roadster, with a fully detachable top stored in the trunk. The hardtop coupe version was introduced in 1951 and a convertible in 1953. Eventually, 30,000 XK120's were produced in all versions.

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 number: S 673526
Engine number: W 7362-8S

This Jaguar XK120 is an original, left-hand drive example that was completed on the 29th of January in 1953. It was delivered new to R.M. Overseas in Düsseldorf, Germany on 18th February 1953. It came equipped with the 'C-Type' cylinder head, which combined with 8.0:1 pistons and 1.75-inch SU carburetors, increased power to 210 horsepower. In 1986, it was purchased from Jean-Claude Chansel in saint Maur, France and given a seven-year, 'bare-chassis', concours restoration. To help with cruising speeds, it was given a higher-ratio rear axle, while the cylinder head was converted to run on unleaded fuel. It is finished in Old English White with red leather interior and chromed wire wheels.

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 Dan Vaughan

Sport Roadster
Chassis number: 674111
Engine number: W 9122-8

The Jaguar XK120 was conceived and constructed in but a few months. It made its debut at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show were it caused a sensation. At the heart of the XK120 was the fabulous XK engine; a 3.4-liter 'six' that boasted twin overhead camshafts running in an aluminum-alloy cylinder head, seven main bearings and a maximum output of 160 horsepower. The XK120 defined new standards of comfort, road holding and performance for British sport cars.

This Car

In 2006, Fred Mack celebrated his 95th birthday by skydiving, and enjoyed the experience so much that in 2011, as he 'turned the ton' he did it again! Since his teens, he has owned around eighteen automobiles.

At a much younger age, Mach purchased a Slate Grey Jaguar XK120 with a red interior and chrome wire wheels. It was purchased from a dealer in Media, Pennsylvania. The dealer was able to get it for him for $3,600 instead of the going rate of $4,400. Mr. Mack still retains the Jaguar sales sheet. When he went to collect the car from Hoffman's Importers, it was white with red interior and had painted wires, the dealer explaining that he felt this was better suited to him.

From that day in 1953, the car has been in the ownership of Mr. Mack. In the early 1990s after a period of storage, when the car had sat under a plastic cover and its paint had lifted, Mr. Mack decided to refurbish the XK. The car would emerge from the restorer with new paint and a renewed interior. The work was completed in time to attend the Franklin Mint show in 1999.

The car is currently 60 years old and has been in continuous ownership from new.

by Dan Vaughan

Hardtop Coupe
Chassis number: S 681124
Engine number: W 82438S

This Jaguar is finished in its original pastel green paint. This XK120 M was discovered in 2013 having been in single family car for over 58 years. The current owner acquired the car and began, in early 2014, an intensive refurbishment. This special fixed head coupe has been a California car since it was first retailed by Charles Hornburg Jaguar in Los Angeles in 1953. It spent many years in dry storage.

This XK120 M is one of just 421 examples manufactured for export in 1953, with as few as 30 sharing this unrestored example's color and options.

by Dan Vaughan

Sport Roadster
Chassis number: S677295
Engine number: 1776-9

This Special Equipment XK120 Drophead Coupe was completed at the Jaguar works in May of 1953 and was delivered new through Hoffman Motor Car Company in New York, New York, to its first owner. It left the factory finished in the classic British Racing Green, and fitted with a tan interior and a black convertible top. The early history remains unknown, but at some point it was stored in Georgia, where it remained until recently.

Currently, the cylinder head number does match but the engine block number does not match the factory records, and therefore appears to have been replaced at some point.

by Dan Vaughan

Sport Convertible
Chassis number: 677111
Engine number: W 8373-8

The first Jaguar XK120s arrived in the United States in August 1949, delivered to distributors Charles Hornburg in Los Angeles and Max Hoffman in New York. With a 3.4-liter DOHC engine and sensuous flowing lines, they were highly sought after. Between 1949 and 1954, 7,631 roadsters were built, with 2,678 coupes built between 1951 and 1954. Drophead coupe body styles arrived last, with 1,769 (1,471 LHD) produced until 1954.

This particular example was delivered new to Charles Hornburg in Los Angeles and sent to Miss V.M. Donaldson on May 14, 1953. It is believed to have spent its entire life in Oregon.

This Drophead Coupe has a French Grey top, red leather interior, and original Birch Grey exterior. It has the desirable 'curved-back' seat and the original burl walnut interior wood has been replaced since new. The car has been given a frame-off restoration.

The car won Best of Show out of a field of 650 cars at Portland's All-British Field Meet after its restoration in 2006.

by Dan Vaughan

Sport Roadster
Chassis number: 673870
Engine number: W 8109-8

Jaguar produced 12,055 XK 120 roadsters, coupes, and drophead coupes from 1948 to 1954. This production total includes 7,374 steel-bodied roadsters. This particular example is finished in Olde English White over Burgundy and Biscuit leather. This car was owned by Joan Marilyn Piddington of La Canada, California who placed it into static storage in 1968. It was removed from storage in the late 1980s, and sold from California to Bud Morrison, of Tempe, Arizona, who restored the car to its former glory in the early 1990s. The car remained with Mr. Morrison for the next 25 years, selling it in 2013.

by Dan Vaughan

Hardtop Coupe
Chassis number: 669035
Engine number: W8970-8

Launched at the London Motor Show in 1948, the Jaguar XK120 was an immediate best seller for both road use and also for racing. In 1951 the original open models were joined by an even more beautiful fixed head coupe.

This very original example was first registered in Scotland in July 1953 and it remained north of the border for many years. The car was owned in the 1950s by a friend of David Murray, the owner of the Scottish racing team Ecurie Ecosse. Despite the car being well used over the years at many hill climbs, race meetings and springs across Scotland, the car has survived those exertions with its original paint and interior still intact and still proudly wears its 60-year-old Ecurie Ecosse racing team stickers. This car has covered some 81,000 miles but has been treasured over the years by all of its owners who have shown a true dedication to maintaining its patina and provenance.

Sport Convertible

The XK120 was launched in roadster form at the 1948 London Motor Show as a test bed and show car for the new XK engine. It caused a sensation, which persuaded Jaguar founder and design boss William Lyons to put it into production. The '120' in its name referred to its 120 mph (193 km/h) top speed which made the XK120 the world's fastest standard production car when it was launched. Available in two 'open' versions - first as the roadster (designated OTS for open two-seater in America), then also as a drophead coupe or DHC from 1953 and as a closed or 'fixed-head' coupe (FHC) from 1951. The DHC was a more deluxe open model featuring the wood dashboard and wood accent veneers on the interior as found on the FHC. The roadster version was successful in racing in the United States and Europe. This 1953 DHC features spats or fender skirts (as known in the United States) and wheel covers as opposed to Dunlop wire wheels that do not fit under the spats.

Hardtop Coupe

This XK120 originally arrived in Bogota, Columbia as a race car to increase Jaguar sales. The current owner's father, Victor Bessudo, was the distributor of all British cars along with his partner in the early 1950s. It was ordered in a special color of 'twilight blue' and only 70 XK120s were made in this color. The car was recovered in 2001 after three different owners. The last owner made many changes during its racing career including cutting off the roof (which was kept) and took out 384 kilos of excess weight by cutting the screws and drilling through them. Each part or screw removed was weighed before and after it was altered and a log was kept of the difference. A restoration was started in December 2007 and took 4 years to complete. Only 2,484 left hand drive XK120 FHCs were produced. The '120' in the name referred to the aluminum car's 120 mph (193 km/h) top speed (faster with the windscreen removed), which made it the world's fastest production car at the time of its launch.

Sport Roadster
Chassis number: S 674059
Engine number: W 8869-8S

The Jaguar XK 120, designed and constructed in just a few months, made its debut at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show. Upon its introduction it was among the world's fastest production car. Unfortunately, its slow-to-produce alloy bodywork would have to go, and the car was swiftly re-engineered in steel. Its body was originally conceived as a coach-built aluminum structure for the simple reason that Jaguar expected to sell no more than 200 examples in the first year. Power was from a 3.4-liter inline six-cylinder engine with win overhead camshafts running in an aluminum-alloy cylinder head, seven main bearings, and a maximum output of 160 horsepower.

This particular example was completed on June 17th of 1953 and delivered to North America through Max Hoffman Jaguar distributors in New York City. The car currently remains in its original condition having never been fully restored, including the two-tone red and cream leather interior. It has its numbers-matching engine and backed by a four-speed manual transmission. There is a black convertible top with removable side curtains, spare wheel and tire, and an original jack and spanner.

by Dan Vaughan

Hardtop Coupe

The XK120 was launched in open two-seater (roadster) form at the 1948 London Motor Show as a test bed and show car for the new Jaguar XK engine. The reveal caused such a sensation that Jaguar founder and Chairman William Lyons was easily persuaded to put it into production.

The XK120 was ultimately available in three body styles; first as a roadster, then as a fixed head coupe from 1951 and finally as a drophead coupe from 1953. Just over 12,000 cars were produced from 1948-1954.

What sets this example apart is its rare factory color of Dove Grey. The car was found in unusually original condition, and it has had a frame-off restoration. In its time, the XK120 was the world's fastest production car, with a 120 MPH top speed, made possible by its 3.4-liter engine making 160 horsepower.

Hardtop Coupe
Chassis number: 680893
Engine number: W7726-8

The Jaguar XK120 debuted at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show, where the elegant roadster caused a sensation and was widely considered one of the most beautiful shapes ever to grace an automobile. The Open Top Seater (OTS) was soon followed by a well-balanced Fixed Head Coupe (FHC). The car's heart was the XK engine, conceived in wartime and intended for Jaguar's post-war range-topping saloon. The 3.4-liter straight-six had twin overhead camshafts running in an aluminum cylinder head, seven main bearings, and a maximum output of 160 bhp. In various tune levels, the 'XK' propelled Jaguar's XK 120 C, C-Type, and D-Type sports racers to international racing dominance, including five Jaguar wins (1951, 1953, 1955-57) at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

This left-hand drive XK120 Fixed Head Coupe was completed at the Jaguar Works during March of 1953 and was soon dispatched to the United States East Coast distributor Max Hoffman in New York. It left the factory wearing a Dove Grey exterior, later refinished to Champagne Gold. It has rear-wheel spats, body-colored steel disc-type wheels, and period-style blackwall tires. It has Smiths instruments, burled wood interior trim, and black leather upholstery.

The 3,442cc dual overhead camshaft inline 6-cylinder engine has two SU carburetors and delivers 160 horsepower at 5,000 RPM. There is a four-speed manual transmission, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, and an independent front suspension and live rear axle.

This Jaguar is one of 2,678 XK120 Fixed Head Coupes produced between 1951 to 1954.

by Dan Vaughan

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