• Year of manufacture 
    1952
  • Chassis number 
    661004
  • Engine number 
    W 5587-7
  • Lot number 
    274
  • Drive 
    LHD
  • Condition 
    Used
  • Number of seats 
    2
  • Location
    United Kingdom
  • Exterior colour 
    Other
  • Drivetrain 
    2wd
  • Fuel type 
    Petrol

Description

Matching numbers, exquisitely restored
1952 Jaguar XK120 Roadster
Chassis no. 661004
Engine no. W 5587-7

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!

The car's heart was, of course, the fabulous XK engine, a 3.4-litre 'six' embodying 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. 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. Coupé and drophead coupé versions followed, and for customers that found the standard car too slow, there was the Special Equipment (SE) package, which boosted power 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.

According to the accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, this delightful Jaguar XK120 left the assembly line on 12th August 1952 and was delivered to the distributor Besse & Co in Aden (Yemen) in September of the same year. Around 1970 it joined the Aalholm Museum's collection in Denmark with some 31,000 miles recorded, a total believed correct.

The current owner purchased the XK in 2012 and commissioned a comprehensive 'chassis off' restoration by specialists in Italy to the original specification as provided by the JDHT. The body was removed from the frame then sandblasted clean, rust proofed and repainted in the original colour, Suede Green. Any repairs were 'lead loaded' in the traditional manner. The front and rear axles were removed from the chassis, overhauled and reinstalled after the chassis had been repainted. At the same time the engine and gearbox (both matching numbers) were disassembled and overhauled. The only upgrade from the original specification was the use of higher-compression 8:1 pistons instead of the 7:1 type supplied to countries where fuel was of low quality. A stainless steel exhaust was fitted also. The interior has been re-trimmed in the matching original colour of Suede Green, while the wood trim has been renewed also. Other parts renewed include the chromework, stainless steel bumpers and the weather equipment including a new hood frame, side screens and tonneau cover in the original colour of French Grey.

The restoration was only finished earlier this year, since when the XK has successfully completed the prestigious 'Le Mitiche Sport a Bassano' three-day regularity event in Northern Italy followed home by, among others, a Jaguar D-Type. The car is offered with German registration documents, the aforementioned parts and a book containing more than 500 photographs documenting the restoration. Aero screens and the original 7:1 pistons are included in the sale also.


Bonhams 1793
101 New Bond Street
London
W1S 1SR
United Kingdom
Contact Person Kontaktperson
First name 
Bonhams Collectors’ Car department

Phone 
+44-2074685801
Fax 
+44-2074477401