Introduction
Darren Rungasamy
Elegantly styled with exemplary performance, the XK120 can only be described as legendary.
The launch of the XK120 at the 1948 London Motor Show was nothing short of a revelation. The original idea was to simply use the XK120 as a showcase for the new 3.4-litre straight-six engine, but the sweeping curves and perfectly proportioned body meant that Jaguar was soon inundated with requests to put the car into production. With the majority of cars going to export, in Britain, the XK120’s exclusivity was assured and was celebrated as the fastest production car of its day.
Staying close to the original concept design, Jaguar continued to evolve the car, with the initial aluminium bodies giving way to the steel body models, two additional variations of the original open-top body style were added. The last version of the XK120 was the Drop Head Coupe, which offered open-top motoring with an easy-to-close hood with full side windows. Furnished with a luxurious walnut dashboard, the XK120 was also making waves on the racetrack in the hands of Stirling Moss and Peter Walker, helping to create a racing pedigree and evolve the legend of the XK engine for decades to come.
First registered in November 1953 by Henlys of London, this is one of just ~295 DHC models made for the RHD market. Stunningly presented with a handful of useful but reversible mechanical and electrical upgrades, it was discovered in storage in 1980 and subjected to detailed and documented restoration in subsequent years. In the hands of its current owner, it has seen ~£20k’s worth of spending and comes with three binders of invoices and provenance. Meticulously maintained, while seeing regular use, we are proud to present you with one of the most glorious sports cars to have ever hit the tarmac, which comes to market from ~10 years ownership with our vendor.
This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Bob the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.
