Description
This car is Lot 144 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at the Goodwood Members' Meeting Sale on the 13th April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Saturday 12th April from 09:00 until 17:00 and Sunday 13 April from 09:00, at Goodwood Members' Meeting.
Lot 144
1953 Jaguar XK120 SE Roadster
Registration no.
Chassis no. S 673526
Delivered new in Germany
Desirable Factory SE specification
Restored in the late 1980s/ early 1990s
Extensively upgraded
Registered in Jersey
"We claimed 120 mph (for the XK 120), a speed unheard of for a production car in those days." - William Heynes, Chief Engineer, Jaguar Cars.
Conceived and constructed in just a few months, the XK120 debuted at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show where the stunning looking roadster caused a sensation. Conceived as a low-volume model, the XK120 proved considerably more popular than expected, the resulting demand for what was then the world's fastest production car taking Jaguar by surprise. It was immediately obvious that the ash-framed alloy coachwork would have to go and the body was swiftly re-engineered in steel.
Powered by a state-of-the-art 3. 4-litre twin-overhead-camshaft six, the XK120 set new standards of comfort, roadholding and performance for British sports cars and, in keeping with the Jaguar tradition, there was nothing to touch it at the price. The '120' referred to the car's top speed, which was confirmed when a carefully prepared example achieved 126. 4mph with hood and side screens erected and 132. 6mph minus its weather protection and equipped with an under-tray. From launch until production ended in 1954, the XK120's popularity never slackened, especially in overseas markets that took over 85% of total output.
This original, left-hand drive XK120 was completed on 29th January 1953 and delivered new to R. M. Overseas in Düsseldorf, Germany on 18th February 1953. It was supplied with the 'C-Type' cylinder head, which combined with 8. 0:1 pistons and 1¾" SU carburettors, increased maximum power to 210bhp. In 1986 the car was purchased from Jean-Claude Chansel in Saint Maur, France and treated to a seven-year, 'bare-chassis', concours restoration carried out by a well known member of the French Jaguar Drivers' Club at a cost close to 100, 000 (see invoices and photographic record on file). Formerly maintained by respected marque specialists, Atelier Sontrop, the 'XK' has been fitted with a higher final drive ratio for more relaxed cruising, while the cylinder head has been converted to run on unleaded fuel.
Finished in Old English White with red leather interior and chromed wire wheels, this 'ultimate' XK120 was sold to the current vendor at Bonhams' Monaco auction in May 2012 (Lot 266). The car is now Jersey registered. Cosmetically the same as when purchased, the XK has since benefited from upgrading by marque specialists Twyford Moors, receiving a disc brake conversion together with uprated brakes, electric fuel pump, power steering, headlights, and radiator. A very nice example indeed.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
