Description
The sensation of the 1948 London Motor Show: visitors crowded around a streamlined prototype on the Jaguar stand. The incredible response to the car encouraged William Lyons to put the car into production shortly afterwards. With a top speed of over 120 miles per hour, the XK120 was to become the fastest production car of its time. Chief engineer William Heynes certainly played the biggest part in the astronomical speed of the time with the new in-line six-cylinder engine with double overhead camshafts. To this day, this is quite undisputedly the best and most successful engine in the company's history. For a car with such potential, racing success was not long in coming. The XK120 achieved respectable results in various smaller and larger events, including the Mille Miglia, Le Mans and Alpine Rally. The racing successes meant that the XK120 engine in the legendary C-Type led to the first overall victory at Le Mans in 1951. The correct designation of the racing car is therefore XK120 C, ‘C’ for Competition.
This is an FHC (Fixed Head Coupé) version of the fastest car in the world at the time - only even faster. Extensive modifications were made to this car. The centrepiece of the modifications is located under the long bonnet: a 4. 2 litre engine, originally from an E-Type. The unit was rebuilt by XK specialist Guy Broad with upgrades such as 3 SU HD8 carburettors, high-compression pistons, larger valves, D-Type camshafts, electronic ignition, a lightened flywheel and more. With this tuning, the engine produces around 260 hp. So that the rest of the car can keep up with the power, it was lowered and fitted with sports shock absorbers. In addition, the drum brakes on the front axle were replaced by disc brakes. No savings were made on the transmission either. A 5-speed Tremec gearbox was installed, paired with a limited slip differential on the rear axle. There are also small improvements such as a chrome steel exhaust system including a racing manifold, an oil cooler and an additional electric fan. In the as-new interior, feather-light Tillet carbon fibre seats provide the necessary lateral support in fast bends. Probably one of the fastest XK120s with road licence and veteran registration. Perfect for rallies or sporty fun drives.
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