1951 JAGUAR XK 120 FIXED HEAD COUPE Chassis No. 679074 Engine No. W 3624-8 Twilight blue metallic with tan leather interior Engine: six cylinder in-line, double overhead camshaft, 3,422cc, 160bhp at 5,250rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension: front, independent with double wishbones and longitudinal torsion bars, rear, live axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: hydraulic four wheel drum. Left hand drive. Few cars remain so instantly recognizable as the Jaguar XK120; its graceful and all-enveloping shape influenced the changing design of post-war sports cars. Introduced as a roadster in 1948 at the Earls Court Motor Show, it revolutionized the world's sports car market by providing a genuine 120mph sports/touring car. The superb twin-cam six cylinder engine was to become a mainstay of all future Jaguar products, and provided five Le Mans 24-hour victories between 1951 and 1957. Competition successes and the 126.45mph (133.5 without windscreen) achieved on the Belgian Autoroute all served to increase the demand for the car, which did not become available until the 1950s. Even then, the world export demand was so great that the first home market sales in any quantity did not materialize until 1951. The development and production of the seductive XK 120 ushered in a new beginning for Jaguar as its designs and automobiles revolutionized the sports/touring car industry in the decades that followed. This Jaguar XK 120 fixed head coupe was built in August 1951 and delivered to Delacroix, the Paris Jaguar dealer, who subsequently sold it in 1952 to a US officer serving the Allied Powers in Europe. As such it is one of only 240 XK 120s officially imported into France and, according to noted French Jaguar authority, Bernard Viart, was probably sold by the serviceman to an eager French buyer. At some stage in its life it was exported to the USA and eventually became the subject of a comprehensive restoration by Vintage Motorsports of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The chassis was chemically cleaned, primed and painted in semi-gloss black, while the bodywork was repaired as necessary prior to a fully professional repaint in the original color of twilight blue. The outer metal was properly prepared before respraying and the condition today is superb. Mechanically, the engine was dismantled, cleaned and checked before a full rebuild with new pistons, rings, bearings and so forth. Further work included fully rebuilding the suspension, steering and brakes with all parts either replaced or renewed with 'new old stock' where necessary. A stainless steel exhaust was fitted and the fuel tank was chemically cleaned and re-sealed; the gearbox was also overhauled. The interior was retrimmed with tan Connolly leather and Wilton carpeting fitted as original; a new wiring loom was fitted with correct braiding, while the brightwork was either replated or renewed. Paperwork on file records all of the work undertaken and there is also a photocopy of the Jaguar Vehicle Information Record sheet. Altogether this Jaguar fixed head coupe can be described as in show condition and would be a welcome addition to any collection.
1951 JAGUAR XK 120 FIXED HEAD COUPE Chassis No. 679074 Engine No. W 3624-8 Twilight blue metallic with tan leather interior Engine: six cylinder in-line, double overhead camshaft, 3,422cc, 160bhp at 5,250rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension: front, independent with double wishbones and longitudinal torsion bars, rear, live axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: hydraulic four wheel drum. Left hand drive. Few cars remain so instantly recognizable as the Jaguar XK120; its graceful and all-enveloping shape influenced the changing design of post-war sports cars. Introduced as a roadster in 1948 at the Earls Court Motor Show, it revolutionized the world's sports car market by providing a genuine 120mph sports/touring car. The superb twin-cam six cylinder engine was to become a mainstay of all future Jaguar products, and provided five Le Mans 24-hour victories between 1951 and 1957. Competition successes and the 126.45mph (133.5 without windscreen) achieved on the Belgian Autoroute all served to increase the demand for the car, which did not become available until the 1950s. Even then, the world export demand was so great that the first home market sales in any quantity did not materialize until 1951. The development and production of the seductive XK 120 ushered in a new beginning for Jaguar as its designs and automobiles revolutionized the sports/touring car industry in the decades that followed. This Jaguar XK 120 fixed head coupe was built in August 1951 and delivered to Delacroix, the Paris Jaguar dealer, who subsequently sold it in 1952 to a US officer serving the Allied Powers in Europe. As such it is one of only 240 XK 120s officially imported into France and, according to noted French Jaguar authority, Bernard Viart, was probably sold by the serviceman to an eager French buyer. At some stage in its life it was exported to the USA and eventually became the subject of a comprehensive restoration by Vintage Motorsports of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The chassis was chemically cleaned, primed and painted in semi-gloss black, while the bodywork was repaired as necessary prior to a fully professional repaint in the original color of twilight blue. The outer metal was properly prepared before respraying and the condition today is superb. Mechanically, the engine was dismantled, cleaned and checked before a full rebuild with new pistons, rings, bearings and so forth. Further work included fully rebuilding the suspension, steering and brakes with all parts either replaced or renewed with 'new old stock' where necessary. A stainless steel exhaust was fitted and the fuel tank was chemically cleaned and re-sealed; the gearbox was also overhauled. The interior was retrimmed with tan Connolly leather and Wilton carpeting fitted as original; a new wiring loom was fitted with correct braiding, while the brightwork was either replated or renewed. Paperwork on file records all of the work undertaken and there is also a photocopy of the Jaguar Vehicle Information Record sheet. Altogether this Jaguar fixed head coupe can be described as in show condition and would be a welcome addition to any collection.
Try LotSearch and its premium features for 7 days - without any costs!
Be notified automatically about new items in upcoming auctions.
Create an alert
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
