LOT 266 •
1953 Jaguar XK120 Roadster Chassis no. S-674232 Engine no. W9622-8S
Sold for US$106,470 inc. premium
Lot 266•
1953 Jaguar XK120 Roadster Chassis no. S-674232 Engine no. W9622-8S
The Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia|7 June 2009, 12:00 EDT|Connecticut, Greenwich
1953 Jaguar XK120 Roadster
Chassis no. S-674232
Engine no. W9622-8S
Chassis no. S-674232
Engine no. W9622-8S
Conceived and constructed in but a few months, the XK120 debuted at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show where the stunning-looking roadster caused a sensation; the resulting demand for what was then the world’s fastest production car taking Jaguar by surprise. It was immediately obvious that the slow-to-produce alloy bodywork would have to go, and the car was swiftly re-engineered in steel. The work of Jaguar boss William Lyons himself and one of the most beautiful shapes ever to grace an automobile, the body has been conceived as a coachbuilt aluminum structure for the simple reason that Jaguar expected to sell no more than 200 XK120s in the first year!
Its stunning appearance notwithstanding, the XK120 was conventional enough beneath the skin, being built on a separate chassis featuring independent front suspension by means of wishbones and torsion bars, a live rear axle and drum brakes all round. The car’s heart was, of course, the fabulous XK engine. Intended for Jaguar’s post-war range-topping saloon, the 3.4-litre six embodied the best of modern design, boasting twin overhead camshafts running in an aluminum-alloy cylinder head, seven main bearings and a maximum output of 160bhp. When installed in the lightweight XK120, the result was a car with a phenomenal power-to-weight ratio and blistering performance.
The XK120 set new standards of comfort, roadholding and performance for British sportscars and in keeping with the Jaguar tradition there was nothing to touch it at the price. Coupé and drophead coupé versions followed, which provided the opportunity to offer a luxurious interior with copious amounts of wood veneer. Regardless of the type of bodywork, the XK120 was a genuine 120mph car capable of sustained high-speed cruising.
This car comes with its British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate confirming it to have been supplied new as an SE model. The ‘SE’ designation, literally Special Equipment meaning the addition of wire wheels and a dual rear exhaust for an extra $350.00. It was built on 27 August 1953 and shipped to Jaguar distributor Max Hoffman in New York, from whom it was sold new to its first owner Charles Krauss of Cresskill New Jersey on 27 January 1954.
It is reported that the XK had an extensive restoration in the early 1990s, which included the refurbishing of every mechanical component, and refinishing the cosmetics to a very high standard in its original colors of Pastel green with a suede green interior. Following the restoration it was shown at many Jaguar (JCNA) events always scoring 99 or higher out of 100 points.
The car still shows as if the restoration was just completed, and is a pleasure to drive. It comes with numerous awards and the B.M.I.H.T. certificate, original tools and books, and is ready for the concours circuit or just to be driven and enjoyed.
Its stunning appearance notwithstanding, the XK120 was conventional enough beneath the skin, being built on a separate chassis featuring independent front suspension by means of wishbones and torsion bars, a live rear axle and drum brakes all round. The car’s heart was, of course, the fabulous XK engine. Intended for Jaguar’s post-war range-topping saloon, the 3.4-litre six embodied the best of modern design, boasting twin overhead camshafts running in an aluminum-alloy cylinder head, seven main bearings and a maximum output of 160bhp. When installed in the lightweight XK120, the result was a car with a phenomenal power-to-weight ratio and blistering performance.
The XK120 set new standards of comfort, roadholding and performance for British sportscars and in keeping with the Jaguar tradition there was nothing to touch it at the price. Coupé and drophead coupé versions followed, which provided the opportunity to offer a luxurious interior with copious amounts of wood veneer. Regardless of the type of bodywork, the XK120 was a genuine 120mph car capable of sustained high-speed cruising.
This car comes with its British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate confirming it to have been supplied new as an SE model. The ‘SE’ designation, literally Special Equipment meaning the addition of wire wheels and a dual rear exhaust for an extra $350.00. It was built on 27 August 1953 and shipped to Jaguar distributor Max Hoffman in New York, from whom it was sold new to its first owner Charles Krauss of Cresskill New Jersey on 27 January 1954.
It is reported that the XK had an extensive restoration in the early 1990s, which included the refurbishing of every mechanical component, and refinishing the cosmetics to a very high standard in its original colors of Pastel green with a suede green interior. Following the restoration it was shown at many Jaguar (JCNA) events always scoring 99 or higher out of 100 points.
The car still shows as if the restoration was just completed, and is a pleasure to drive. It comes with numerous awards and the B.M.I.H.T. certificate, original tools and books, and is ready for the concours circuit or just to be driven and enjoyed.
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| • | Exempt from tax |
| Zero rated for tax, no tax will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium. |