1951 Jaguar XK120 Open Two Seater

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE 

Named the XK120 for its advertised 120 mph top speed, Sir William Lyons’ Jaguar caused a sensation upon its debut at the 1948 London Motor Show in Open Two Seater (roadster) form. The XK120 possessed a striking feline power and grace propelled by Lyons’ famous 3.4 liter DOHC straight-six powerplant, but the motoring press was skeptical of the Jaguar’s speed. So on the morning of May 30, 1949, the company gathered them on the Ostend-Jabbeke motorway in Belgium. That day, upon reaching an average132.6 mph, the stock XK120 could claim to be the fastest production car in the world, as recorded by the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium. A brass tag on the instrument panel of XK120 cars built through calendar 1950 states each one is an “exact replica” of the record setter. 

Joining The Peters Family Collection in 2014, this left-hand drive 1951 XK120 OTS was originally sold in California, delivered from the factory in Pastel Green with matching interior. It has since been refinished in striking red with black leather, and receiving a frame-off restoration around 2002, it is a fine “exact replica” of the famous record setting Jaguar XK120. 

Highlights 

• Offered from The Peters Family Collection 

• Frame-off restoration around 2002 

• Brass tag commemorating the 1949 speed record 

• Left-hand drive export model 

• More powerful 3.8L Jaguar “LA” engine from 1959–66 Mk.II sedan 

• Two SU H6 carburetors 

• The original radiator was replaced with an aluminum unit to improve engine cooling. 

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• Lockheed drum brakes 

• Please note that while the odometer displays just over 4,238 miles at the time of listing, the true mileage is unknown 

Features 

• Front independent suspension with torsion bars and shock absorbers  

• Rear live axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs and shock absorbers 

• Correct factory steel wheels and hub caps 

• Factory rear fender “spats” (skirts) with removal tool 

• Chrome front bumper and rear over-riders 

• Split windshield 

• Three-spoke steering wheel 

• Leather dashboard trim 

• Driver’s exterior wing mirror 

• 140-mph speedometer 

• Dash-mounted rearview mirror 

• Steel body on box-section steel frame construction 

• Length – 173.0 inches 

• Width – 61.5 inches 

• Height – 52.5 inches 

• Wheelbase – 102.0 inches 

Known Imperfections 

• Correct Moss transmission does not match JDHT certificate number 

• Soft top latch is broken 

• Front bumper is slightly higher on driver’s side than passenger’s 

• Paint chips on the edge of the driver’s door 

• Scuff on the driver’s side rocker 

• Scuff marks on the driver’s side front fender 

• Minor paint chip near fuel door 

• Soft top is slightly faded but without holes 

Included 

• Framed Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate 

• Factory tool roll and tools 

• Spare tire and jack 

• Air pump 

• Side curtains 

• Spare fan belt 

• Car cover 

Ownership History 

Built on 26 October 1950 this Jaguar XK120 Open Two Seater was sold new through Los Angeles, California distributor Charles Hornburg. It joined The Peters Family Collection when purchased at auction from a California dealer in 2012.  

Additional Notes 

A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle.  

Contact: Cason Vogel  Phone: 904.504.7848  email: cvogel@hagerty.com