Jaguar XK120 Roadster

The Jaguar XK120 was the first post war sports car to be built following Jaguar’s hugely successful SS100. The XK120 was launched at the 1948 London Motor Show as the test-bed and show car for the new Jaguar 3.4 litre six cylinder XK engine. The alloy cylinder head, twin side-draft SU carburettors and duel overhead-cam 3.4 litre unit produced a staggering 180bhp. The XK 120 proved an instant hit and went into immediate production on the orders of Sir William Lyons.  The first 242 roadsters were hand-built Ash framed with aluminium bodies. Production switched to steel in early 1950.

The Jaguar factory supplied the worlds press with a couple of XK120’s which they tested to their optimum performance in Belgium on a long, straight, stretch of road between Jabbeke and Ostend. The cars achieved speeds reaching in excess of Jaguar’s claimed 120 mph, making it the world’s fastest production car. Production was heavily biased towards the export market with a tiny number of cars remaining in the United Kingdom. The XK120 remained in production for 6 years and during this time successfully competed in many race and rally events including the Mille Miglia, Le Mans 24hr, Targa Florio. It also achieved a win in the Alpine Rally.

The Jaguar XK120 Roadster Chassis no: 661092, offered here at Autostorico was first registered in July 1953. Supplied new by Skurrays Limited, Swindon to its first owner C Griffith of Stoke Poges in Buckinghamshire. Issued with the registration number KAM 505 this matching numbers XK120 is finished in Black with Red leather interior. With invoices on file dating back to 1971 this stunning example has had just 4 former keepers since 1953. In the mid 1990’s it underwent a full body off restoration that also included a rebuild of its original engine. Since then it’s been sparingly used with a comprehensive service carried out in 2019 including a rebuild of the carburettors, full ignition service along with a brake and suspension overhaul.

The car comes complete with a Jaguar Heritage Certificate, current V5 registration document and a large file including various invoices and other related materials.

Finding a RHD XK120 in its original specification that still sits on ‘steels and spats’ is not easy. Fortunately this superb example ticks all the right boxes.

This is the perfect opportunity to own a true British classic which will certainly appreciate further over time.

Viewing strictly by appointment only.

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