The XK120 was a high performance sportscar manufactured by Jaguar between 1948 and 1954. It was the first post-war sports car from the manufacturer in Coventry, succeeding the SS100 which ended production in 1940 after the start of World War II. The XK120 was launched at the 1948 London Motor Show as a test bed and show vehicle to highlight the new Jaguar XK engine. The car caused a sensation, which persuaded Sir William Lyons to put it into production as a standard model. The XK120 name referred to the vehicle’s impressive 120 mph (193 km/h) top speed – even faster with the windscreen removed – and at the time of its launch it was the world’s fastest standard production car.
Power came from a dual overhead 3.4 L straight 6 cylinder engine, Jaguar’s famous XK engine. With an alloy cylinder head and twin side draft SU carburettors, the XK engine was very advanced for a mass produced unit, developing 160 bhp with the standard 8:1 compression ratio. A 7:1 low compression version of the engine was also available to cope with low quality fuel. This same basic design of the XK engine was used in 3.8L and 4.2L versions into the late 1980s.
There was also an M version (called SE for Special Equipment in the United Kingdom) which included increased power from the racing modified, high compression Jaguar C-type cylinder head, stiffer suspension, dual exhaust, and wire wheels.
The XK120 was available as a roadster, (Open Two Seater or OTS), as a coupe, (Fixed Head Coupé or FHC, introduced in 1951), and as a convertible (Drop Head Coupé or DHC, introduced in 1953). The Jaguar XK120 Roadster was very popular with Hollywood stars such as Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Clark Gable and Lauren Bacall.
This magnificent example of a very early XK120 Fixed Head Coupe (Chassis No. 679111) has been restored to concours condition. Finished in BRG with tan leather. This car has the SE or C-Type cylinder head with +20 BHP. Sold new in 1951 to a US Colonel stationed in Germany. Brought to Canada on his retirement and relocation and professionally restored there. Stunning car. Worldwide shipping arranged. Sold to Brussels, Belgium
