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 was conceived as a coachbuilt aluminium 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. Conceived in wartime and 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 aluminium-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. Coupe and drophead coupe versions followed, and for customers who found the standard car too slow, there was the Special Equipment package which boosted power from 160 to 180bhp. With either engine and regardless of the type of bodywork, the XK120 was a genuine 120mph car capable of sustained high-speed cruising. Previously registered 'WSG 202' in the UK, this righthand-drive XK120 Roadster was imported into Sweden c.1991. Benefiting from past restoration, it has been kept in heated storage on axle stands and is described as in generally very good overall condition. The car is finished in grey with maroon upholstery and features steel wheels, spats, additional spotlights and almost-new sidescreens.
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 was conceived as a coachbuilt aluminium 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. Conceived in wartime and 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 aluminium-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. Coupe and drophead coupe versions followed, and for customers who found the standard car too slow, there was the Special Equipment package which boosted power from 160 to 180bhp. With either engine and regardless of the type of bodywork, the XK120 was a genuine 120mph car capable of sustained high-speed cruising. Previously registered 'WSG 202' in the UK, this righthand-drive XK120 Roadster was imported into Sweden c.1991. Benefiting from past restoration, it has been kept in heated storage on axle stands and is described as in generally very good overall condition. The car is finished in grey with maroon upholstery and features steel wheels, spats, additional spotlights and almost-new sidescreens.
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