1951 Jaguar XK120 Alloy-bodied Roadster
Registration no. XKJ 470
Chassis no. 671751
Engine no. E-5393-8

The car offered here is a re-creation of the works XK120s built for the 1951 Le Mans 24-Hour Race. In 1951 William Lyons gave instructions for the creation of three very special XK120s to be raced at Le Mans. He was doubtful the completely new C-Type Jaguar would be ready in time, hence these as an insurance policy. The cars had lightweight alloy bodies and a subtly altered shape: outer sills and cut-down doors, one piece rear, cut-in bonnet, aero screens, etc. Numbered 'LT1', 'LT2' and 'LT3', they never raced at Le Mans as the C-Types were ready in time. Charles Hornburg, the US Jaguar importer for the USA's West Coast, spotted two of the cars at Browns Lane, bought them and shipped them to the USA where Phil Hill drove one in its first race in August 1951 to 3rd place overall and a class win.

Chassis number '671751' was manufactured on 31st October 1951 as a left-hand drive export model and dispatched to Hornburg in Beverly Hills, California. The car was re-imported from Alabama, USA in September 1989 and treated to a long-term restoration, which was only completed in 2011. Original parts needed for the rebuild were painstakingly collected over 15 years. The chassis was rebuilt by John Wood of Bridport before the decision was taken to build an exact replica of the alloy-bodied 'LT' Le Mans cars. Aubrey Finburgh of Classic Autos, Kings Langley faithfully recreated the one-piece aluminium body, which was mounted on a tubular steel 'birdcage' inner frame. The XK120 was then taken to Steve Grimsley of Phoenix Car Restoration - a many times winner of Jaguar XK concours awards - where no expense was spared to build the perfect car, a process that would take the next ten years. Noteworthy features include a newly rebuilt 'C' type engine, cast SU carburettors, overhauled running gear, rewired electrics, front brake air scoops, rebuilt original instruments, new Avon Roadspeed tyres, etc, etc.

Now right-hand drive, '671751' was duly registered in the UK on 3rd November 2010 with an age-related number, and was then taken to Mike Turley for trimming. Only some 200 miles have been covered since the rebuild's completion and the car is described as in generally excellent condition. Finished in British Racing Green with Sage Green leather interior, 'XKJ 470' is offered with restoration invoices, current MoT, SORN and V5C registration document. A spare set of wire wheels shod with Dunlop racing tyres is included in the sale.