1950 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

The date was 1948 and the place was the London Motor Show. That was when Jaguar turned the sportscar market upside down with the launch of their breath takingly beautiful XK120!

Here was a car with incredible style and looks, a powerful 3.4 litre 6 cylinder engine, an outstanding chassis and a remarkably low price. What was not to like?!

Offered at a quarter the price of the Ferrari of the day with similar performance, the combination proved unbeatable and without doubt the XK became a milestone for both the company and the country. Orders simply flooded in, taking Jaguar by surprise as the car was planned to be an interim model used solely to publicise the XK engine for the new Mk VII saloon. They had only planned to produce 200 units!

At the heart of the William Lyons styled Roadster was the all-new 3.4 six cylinder engine featuring twin overhead camshafts, twin SU carburettors and giving 160BHP. This meant a 0-60mph in sub 10 seconds and a top speed of over 120mph, hence the name. It was to become a massive success in both the showroom and on the track, winning Le Mans in '51 and '53 with legends like Sir Stirling Moss at the wheel.

This car is a genuinely exceptional UK market right hand drive car first supplied on 24th November 1950 by Henlys of London. It can only be described today as being in exceptional and highly original condition, confirmed by the matching numbers on the chassis, body, engine and gearbox. Restored completely by XK experts, Guy Broad, the Opalescent Silver paintwork has been refinished to a very high standard indeed and contrasts beautifully with the patinated and original red leather upholstery. The car has settled well from it's restoration and now benefits from some minor but important upgrades including telescopic shock absorbers (rather than lever arms), Coopercraft brake conversion, period looking Britax safety belts and a stainless steel exhaust.

The comprehensive history file shows both ownership and restoration history fully with all invoices present, and also includes a period of ownership by noted Jaguar expert - Nigel Dawes. The car has just been inspected, serviced and given a fresh M.O.T in time for the sale by the fastidious vendor, who is himself a noted car collector. There is also a copy of the December 1996 Classic Car magazine where this particular car featured on the front cover. Complete with the original buff log book, "327 XUY" is now ready to be enjoyed once more with the satisfaction of knowing that the market continues to recognise the significance of these early and important Jaguar XK 120's.