Market Finds: Is This Jaguar XK120 The Vintage Race Car Of Your Dreams?

Is This Jaguar XK120 The Vintage Race Car Of Your Dreams?

By Andrew Golseth
April 20, 2016

Photography Courtesy of The Finest

Today, Jaguar makes the F Type—one of the most beautiful vehicles currently in production. But it wasn’t too long ago Jaguar was void of a real sports car, nor was it the only stint in their history where they didn’t offer a driver’s car in their lineup. Much like the long awaited F Type, the English Cat failed to follow up its SS 100 for nearly a decade. Finally, in 1948, Jaguar unveiled a proper SS successor at the London Motor Show: the XK120. The wait, for those who were around, was worth it.

The XK120 prototype was initially a chariot mocked up to display the brand’s newest powertrain, the 3.4-liter XK inline six-cylinder—one of the all-time great sixes. Thankfully, the concept was such a hit at the show, Jaguar realized they had a real winning combination and put the car into production shortly after. Most modern vehicles drastically change from pen to production, but the XK120 road going cars looked nearly identical to the prototype with performance on par with its beautiful, streamlined-looking design.

Initially, XK120 bodies were made from aluminum, but due to such high demand, Jaguar switched to steel with the exception of the opening panels—the bonnet, boot lid, and doors remained aluminum. In stock trim, the lightweight roadsters were capable of 120 mph, which is what the model’s digits refer to. With a few alterations, including removing the air-brake-like windscreen, the XK120 was declared the world’s fastest production car in 1949 after clocking 132.596 mph!

Offered in both drop head (convertible) and fixed roof (coupe), the XK120 became the go-to sports car for speed fanatics and celebrities alike—the very first production XK120 roadster was delivered to Clark Gable! Because the slick Jag was so good out-of-the-box, many privateer racers and enthusiasts modified their XK models for even greater performance—such as the trick 1954 Jaguar XK120M you see here.

Like the speed record setter, the large factory windscreen was removed in favor of a small adjustable half-moon wind deflector and the passenger cabin section features a removable aero-cover panel. The bumpers and rear wheel arch covers were also ditched for a less-luxury, more sporty character, while the assigned “19” livery and leather strap across the louvered bonnet complete the racer look. The silver finish resembles more aircraft paneling than paint and the Union Jacks on the wings inform the unknowing where this car proudly hails from.

The alluring photos provided, while beautiful, are somewhat teasing—styled to pique interest for the upcoming auction Elegance at Hershey on Saturday, June 11. What we can see in the photos shows a well-used race inspired XK120M, far from some 100-point Concours award chasing restoration—we love the worn look. The warmth from the discolored wood rimmed wheel, the distressed red leather upholstery, and the torn seat invite the enthusiast who’d rather drive… This is a car not meant to be parked on a perfectly-manicured lawn to be judged by “all-knowing” arbitrators.

If you buy this, make us proud by driving it appropriately: tastefully…and damn hard.

History
– Modified into a “typical” period racing spec

Specifications
~180 horsepower, DOHC 3,442 cc straight-six, four-speed manual transmission, independent torsion bar front and semi-elliptical leaf spring rear suspension, front and rear 12 inch drum brakes. Wheelbase: 2,591 mm (102 in).

Valuation
Auction house: The Finest
Estimate: N/A
Price realized: Auction on June 11

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John Feng
John Feng
8 years ago

This is Tom Jaycox’s old car. This is as authentic as it comes, and Tom is as authentic a Jaguar motor-head as there is. He was and still is local fixture in the Jag community. I think these days Tom only races his C-type in one or two events (LRP Historics?), but at least it still gets used properly. Some years ago I wanted a second xk120 to vintage race, and I called Tom about this very car, but before I had a chance to drive out to see it he’d sold it to another gentleman. The one that got away. Mack, a racing screen setup isn’t that expensive. I saw a real/authentic one (Jag specific) for sale this summer for $700. The rest of the aero bits can be had for under $1500.

Derelict
Derelict
8 years ago

Michael Furman photos? I think so.

Derelict
Derelict
8 years ago
Reply to  Derelict

Scratch that, not his stuff. Very, very similar although a little too dark in lighting.

Quim Martinez
Quim Martinez
8 years ago

Pleeease , i need a high res sample of the first photo , for my pc Desktop . Its soo relaxing and it has a high refinated style with that shapes and lights.

mackguy
mackguy
8 years ago

Love it! Keep wishing I could afford the racing screen for my 140!

Joshua Payne
Joshua Payne
8 years ago

Absolute dream car. Sigh. One day.
By the way, I believe the correct term is ‘pique interest’, not ‘peak interest’…

Michael Banovsky
8 years ago
Reply to  Joshua Payne

It’s been corrected, and I swear to never edit on 0 coffees again. 😐

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