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. 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 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 who found the standard car too slow, there was the Special Equipment package that 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. Rarest of the three XK120 variants (just 1,769 Drophead Coupés were built compared with 7,631 Roadsters and 2,678 Coupés) this left-hand drive drophead represents Jaguar’s classic sports car in its early, purest form, boasting rear wheel spats and painted steel wheels. The car has been restored by the vendor, a French private collector, and is presented in excellentrunning condition. It is offered with UK registration. La plus rare des trois versions (seulement 1’769 cabriolets furent construits contre 7’631 roadsters et 2’678 coupés), cette XK120 à conduite à gauche représente la voiture de sport anglaise dans toute sa spendeur, équipée de ses spats et de ses jantes en tôle peinte. Cette voiture a été restaurée par le vendeur, un collectionneur français privé, et se présente en bon état général tant au point de vue cosmétique que mécanique. Elle est immatriculée en Angleterre.
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. 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 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 who found the standard car too slow, there was the Special Equipment package that 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. Rarest of the three XK120 variants (just 1,769 Drophead Coupés were built compared with 7,631 Roadsters and 2,678 Coupés) this left-hand drive drophead represents Jaguar’s classic sports car in its early, purest form, boasting rear wheel spats and painted steel wheels. The car has been restored by the vendor, a French private collector, and is presented in excellentrunning condition. It is offered with UK registration. La plus rare des trois versions (seulement 1’769 cabriolets furent construits contre 7’631 roadsters et 2’678 coupés), cette XK120 à conduite à gauche représente la voiture de sport anglaise dans toute sa spendeur, équipée de ses spats et de ses jantes en tôle peinte. Cette voiture a été restaurée par le vendeur, un collectionneur français privé, et se présente en bon état général tant au point de vue cosmétique que mécanique. Elle est immatriculée en Angleterre.
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