1951 Jaguar XK120 Roadster 'LT' Re-Creation - FIA/ HTP Approved

• 671577 was manufactured on 17/09/1951 as a left-hand drive XK120 OTS export model and dispatched to Hoffman in New York
• The car returned from the USA in 2014 and was treated to a full body-off restoration
• The new owner wanted to create a competitive race car for the Jaguar Heritage Challenge series and instructed historic cars and racing expert Jim Tester of Tester Engineering to construct a tool-room copy of the alloy-bodied 'LT' Le Mans cars
• Robert Gregson Jaguar bodies were asked to recreate the aluminium body, which was then mounted on to the original refurbished chassis prior to being prepared and painted by Normandale 
• Specification includes 3442cc engine, cast manifolds and twin 2” SU carburettors, 9” clutch and a standard rebuilt Jaguar 4-speed gearbox
• Hired from its owner in 2015 by Jaguar Cars UK and run by them in the 5-round Jaguar Heritage Challenge with celebrity drivers
• Beautifully detailed throughout and in exceptional condition
• The car is user friendly and is correctly road registered with an age related number
• With FIA/HTP papers valid until 2031, this is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiast who wants to aim for higher-profile events (Classic Le Mans, Goodwood, Monaco Historique etc.)

In 1951, William Lyons, having entered three of Jaguar’s new C-Type at that years Le Mans, became concerned that the cars may not be ready in time. As an insurance policy, he asked the 'Works' to prepare three special XK120s that would comply with the Le Mans regs and last for the 24 hours. These cars were the first XK120s since the initial run of 210 cars in 1949 and 1950 to have lightweight aluminium coachwork and featured lightweight alloy bodies and a subtly altered shape, outer sills and cut-down doors, one-piece rear, cut-in bonnet, and Brooklands-type aero screens. Known as LT1, LT2, and LT3, the cars were all set to go, however, their day of glory was denied as the C-Types were completed in time. All dressed up with nowhere to go, the three 'LT' cars sat around Browns Lane feeling sorry for themselves for a while until Charles Hornburg, the famous US West Coast Jaguar importer, spotted them during a visit. He promptly purchased the cars and exported them stateside, where Phil Hill masterfully drove one to 3rd overall and a class win in its very first race in August 1951.

Chassis number ‘671577' was manufactured on 17th September 1951 as a left-hand drive XK 120 OTS export model and dispatched to Hoffman in New York. After a long life in the US, the Jaguar returned to the UK in 2014 destined to be treated to a full body-off restoration. Its new owner had long held an ambition to replicate one of the LT cars and, to this end, original parts needed for the specific build had been collected over many years. The brief was to create a competitive race car for the Jaguar Heritage Challenge Series and he instructed historic cars and racing expert, Jim Tester of Tester Engineering, to construct a tool-room copy of the alloy-bodied 'LT' Le Mans cars. Robert Gregson Jaguar were asked to recreate the aluminium body, which was then mounted on to the original refurbished chassis prior to being prepared and painted by Normandale. 

When it was complete, discussions took place with Jaguar Cars UK and it was agreed that the car was to be hired from the owner by Jaguar themselves to run in the 5-round championship with Jaguar appointing a driver at each round. The drivers included Dan Trent from Pistonheads, Callum Lockie and TV Celebrity, Paul Hollywood. Full details and the results are with the car.

After the 2015 Challenge Series and an outing at the Nurburgring Old Timer Grand Prix the car was put into storage until 2020 at which point a programme of recommissioning was commenced to return the XK to an FIA-spec with the aim of obtaining FIA/HTP papers opening the door to a number of 'Blue Riband' classic events.

From our Vendor:  "The car sits on a refurbished chassis, drum brakes all around and suspension to suit FIA regulations. Recently (2020) rebuilt 3442cc engine, cast manifolds and twin 2” SU carburettors, a 9” clutch and a standard rebuilt Jaguar 4-speed gearbox. Uprated aluminium radiator & oil cooler with exterior electric cooling fan. A period steering box and a reconditioned ENV differential are fitted. New, traditional pattern, leather bucket seats along with an 'Appendix K' compliant roll-hoop and bracing. Internal and external ignition cut-offs and a plumbed fire extinguisher add to the specification. New compliant exhaust system. The new alloy fuel tank is foam filled and connected to a polished Aston-style filler cap. Recent recommissioning and rolling road tests have the car ready for use."

This fabulous XK120/LT recreation is restoration fresh and correctly UK registered with current V5 documentation. The possibilities are endless, it's an accredited FIA classic racer welcome anywhere, it's equally at home on the Concours Lawn such is the level of finish, or you might just want to keep it as a gorgeous, "turn a few heads at the pub on a Sunday morning" road car.