1952 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

The Jaguar XK120 was manufactured between 1948 and 1954 and was their first sports car since the SS100 which ceased production in 1940. It was launched in roadster form at the 1948 London Motor Show as a show car for the new Jaguar XK engine. It caused a sensation thus persuading Jaguar founder and design boss William Lyons to put the car into production. The '120' in its name referred to its top speed which made the XK120 the world's fastest standard production car at the time of its launch. It was available in two open versions; first as the roadster, then as a drophead coupé from 1953 and also as a closed, or 'fixedhead' coupé from 1951. With alloy cylinder head and twin side-draft SU carburettors, the double overhead-camshaft 3.4 litre straight six XK engine was comparatively advanced for a mass-produced unit of the time. With a standard compression ratio of 8:1 it developed 160bhp. This same basic design of the XK engine, later modified into 3.8 litre and 4.2 litre versions, survived into the late 1980s.This beautiful 1952 Jaguar XK120 Roadster is a 1952 car and said to be sixth from last of the chrome sidelight models. It presents wonderfully in the classic colour combination of Old English White with a red leather interior. We are informed that earlier works included the fitting of telescopic shock absorbers and the rebuilding of the rear axle with a power lock differential and the fitting of a Kenlowe electric fan. The brakes were upgraded to XJ6 disc brakes to the front and XK150 rear disc brakes. The engine is a 3.8 litre straight-six example from a Jaguar Mk. IX to fast road specification and features twin SU carburettors. The gearbox is a five speed Getrag example. Although this very usable XK120 performed well on a recent test drive it does appear to have a number of rubber suspension bushes and gaiters that are perished and will require replacing. Inspection of this vehicle is encouraged.

For sale by auction on Saturday 8 April 2023 with Historics Auctioneers, Call 01753 639170