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1952 Jaguar XK120 Supersonic

Over the years, many automotive designs have been inspired by nautical vessels, aircraft, and spaceships. From the boattail speedsters of the 1920s to the tail fins of the 1950s, automobile designers have used the most efficient and dynamic design cues from various modes of transportation for design inspiration. When Giovanni Savonuzzi-penned the futuristic 'Supersonics,' his inspiration came from the jet age with thoughts of breaking sound barriers and stratospheres. The designs he created were comprised of contemporary and modern trends in aerospace and featured streamlined forms, subtle tail fins, and a swept-back roofline. The most efficient designs from the air were brought to the tarmac, in harmonious and graceful lines.

1952 Jaguar XK120 Supersonic photo
Coupe by Ghia
Chassis #: 679768
Engine #: W 5162-8
View info and history
Auction entries : 1
The radical design of the Supersonics was graceful, elegant, and slightly flamboyant. They were one of the first cars to feature designs that would later become known as 'jet-age' styling. The first Supersonic design appeared on a Conrero-tuned Alfa Romeo 1900 entered in the Mille Miglia during the early 1950s. The aluminum coachwork with streamlined curves was later emulated on a small run of Fiat 8V chassis (approximately eight examples), an Aston Martin, and at least three Jaguar XK120s.

The production body of the Jaguar XK120 was slippery, curvaceous, and (arguably) one of the most appealing of all time. Enzo Ferrari declared the XK120 'the most beautiful car ever made.' Replacing the standard body was no small task.

The Jaguar XK120
When Jaguar founder and Chairman William Lyons introduced the XK120 in 1948 at the London Motor Show, it caused such a sensation that it was quickly put into production. Between 1948 and 1950, the bodies were built from hand-formed lightweight aluminum alloy over an ash frame and were powered by a new 3,442cc double-overhead camshaft six-cylinder engine. The later steel-bodied XK120s sold in vast numbers and secured Jaguar's fine reputation as a major manufacturer of race and sports cars in the 1950s. In all, 10,309 XK 120 roadsters and coupes were built from 1949 to 1954.

1952 Jaguar XK120 Supersonic photo
Coupe by Ghia
Chassis #: 679768
Engine #: W 5162-8
View info and history
Auction entries : 1
The XK engine was designed by Jaguar Chief Engineer William Heynes. The dual-overhead-cam 3.4-liter straight-6 XK engine had twin side-draft SU carburetors, inclined valves, high-strength aluminum alloy cylinder head, and Hemispherical combustion chambers. With 8:1 compression, the engine developed 160 horsepower (the competition variant had 9:1 compression and produced upwards of 180 bhp). Most examples had 12-inch drum brakes although some received Alfin (ALuminium FINned) brake drums to help overcome brake fade. The suspension was a Heynes-designed torsion bar front setup with semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear. Steering was by a recirculating ball with a telescopically adjustable steering column.

The Jaguar XK120 Supersonic by Ghia
At least three 'Supersonic' designs were bestowed upon one of the most advanced sports cars of the era, the Jaguar XK120. The aerodynamic design and lightweight aluminum construction were intended to enhance the performance of the XK120, and the futuristic styling was to be equally captivating.

Ghia created the coachwork and, in one example, specialist Virgilio Conrero removed the two SU carburetors from the engine and replaced them with three two-barrel Webers, boosting output to 220 brake horsepower. At least one example was shown at the Paris and London shows in 1954, and at the concours d'elegance competition in Montreux. All three Jaguar Supersonics were on display at the Cannes Concours d'Elegance.

1952 Jaguar XK120 Supersonic photo
Coupe by Ghia
Chassis #: 679768
Engine #: W 5162-8
View info and history
Auction entries : 1
At least two of the Jaguar XK120s, both left-hand-drive examples, were built to the order of Monsieur Malpelli, reportedly a businessman from Lyon. One of these two examples (chassis 679768) received engine modifications from Conrero. After Monsieur Malpelli failed to pay the bill for the Supersonics, the Parisian dealer Delecroix reclaimed them. At least one example remained with the dealer until 1969.


by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2022

Related Reading : Jaguar XK120 History

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....
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1952 Jaguar XK120 Supersonic Vehicle Profiles

1952 Jaguar XK120 Supersonic vehicle information
Coupe

Coachwork: Ghia
Designer: Savonuzzi
Chassis #: 679768
Engine #: W 5162-8

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

XK120

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
102.00 in.
6 cyl., 210.04 CID., 160.00hp
$3,945 - $3,945
102.00 in.
6 cyl., 210.04 CID., 160.00hp
$3,950 - $3,950
102.00 in.
6 cyl., 210.04 CID., 150.00hp
6 cyl., 210.04 CID., 160.00hp
6 cyl., 210.04 CID., 180.00hp
$3,855 - $4,000
102.00 in.
6 cyl., 210.04 CID., 180.00hp
$4,050 - $4,080
102.00 in.
6 cyl., 210.04 CID.
102.00 in.
6 cyl., 210.00 CID., 160.00hp
6 cyl., 210.00 CID., 250.00hp
$4,040 - $4,255
102.00 in.
6 cyl., 210.04 CID., 160.00hp
6 cyl., 210.00 CID., 180.00hp
$3,350 - $4,000
102.00 in.
6 cyl., 210.04 CID., 160.00hp

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