Beschreibung:

3,442cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine 2 SU Carburetors 160bhp at 5,000rpm 4-Speed Manual Transmission Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle 4-Wheel Drum Brakes *Less than 5,900 original miles at the time of cataloguing *Offered with original tool roll *Classic and iconic Jaguar XK styling *Offered with Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate THE JAGUAR XK120 "We claimed 120 mph (for the XK120), a speed unheard of for a production car in those days" - William Heynes, Chief Engineer, Jaguar Cars. Conceived and constructed in just 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. Intended for Jaguar's post-war range-topping saloon, the 3.4-liter six embodied the best of modern design, boasting twin overhead camshafts running in an aluminum-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, handling and performance for sports cars and in keeping with the Jaguar tradition there was nothing to touch it at the price. Coupe and Drophead Coupe versions followed, which provided the opportunity to offer a luxurious interior with copious amounts of wood veneer. Regardless of the type of bodywork, the XK120 was a genuine 120mph car capable of sustained high-speed cruising. THE MOTORCAR OFFERED This particular Jaguar XK120 roadster was delivered to Charles H. Hornburg of Los Angeles, California, and was shipped T.T. Pascoe Ltd aboard the S.S. Pacific Importer. Mr. Hornburg would probably retain the car for a short while until it passed to a Mr. James Flaherty, of South Gate, California. The car was most likely registered in the state until at least 1960, as indicated by a sticker dated with the same year on the rear plate. After this time, the whereabouts of the vehicle remain unknown until the 1990s when it was acquired by a Jaguar dealer. By this point, the car had an indicted 5,750 miles, and a production trace certificate was issued. In 2003 the car passed to William Twigg Smith II on February 7. At this time, a few things had been replaced to make the car a runner, but all of the original components were kept with the car. The original wheels with their original tires were also taken off the car and preserved. The car would remain with William Twigg Smith until 2016 when it was sold to the consigner. When inspected recently, this Jaguar XK120 appears to be a remarkably preserved example and the indicated millage of 5,856 is believed to be correct. The car still wears its original color scheme of red on red as indicated by the heritage certificate, and is believed to be the original paintwork, and original interior. The only non-factory modification plainly evident on the vehicle is a shortened windscreen, a project more than likely completed early on in the car's life. Any Jaguar or preservation-class car enthusiast should treat themselves to a close inspection of this stunning "time-capsule" automobile still retaining factory markings and tags along with the original matching numbers drivetrain. Accompanying the sale of the car is its original tool kit, jack, original tires, and Jaguar-issued Heritage Trust Certificate. With just 5,856 original miles on the odometer at the time of cataloging, this is unquestionably one of the best-preserved Jaguar XK120s in existence.