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2010 Shannons Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction
Lot
46

1952 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

$103,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine 6 Cylinder, 3442cc
Gearbox 4-Speed Manual
Body Work Roadster
Colour British Racing Green
Interior Tan
Trim Leather
Wheels Wire spoke
Brakes Drums

Description

This lot is no longer available

Jaguar's first post-war car, the XK120, was the sensation of the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show and has firmly established itself as one of the greatest sports cars of all time. From the stunning lines by Sir William Lyons to the legendary XK straight-six engine, the XK120 looked and performed like nothing else on the road and, in a Britain still struggling to recover from the dark days of the war, soon captured the imagination of the public. A strong showing in competition certainly did the XK120s reputation little harm - in its most highly developed form, as the XK120C (or C-Type) the model won the most gruelling Le Mans 24-Hour race on no less than two occasions while standard cars were successfully campaigned all over the world. The XK120 was powered by a brand new 3.4-litre twin-cam six-cylinder engine developing 160 bhp, enough to propel the Jaguar to a top speed of almost 120 mph - making it the fastest production car of the day. Initially available as a roadster only, Jaguar then expanded to include a stylish fixed-head coupe and drophead coupe. Very few XK120s were built in right-hand drive guise, with most earmarked for export. As values of the XK sports models have soared in recent years, XK120 roadsters have become increasingly sought after.