Beschreibung:

Photo credit: Sean Smith Photography Three owners from new 1953 JAGUAR XK120 FIXED HEAD COUPE Chassis No. S 680611 Engine No. W7130-8S Olde English White with tan leather interior Engine: six cylinder, twin overhead camshaft, 3,442cc, 160bhp at 5,200 rpm; Gearbox: four-speed manual; Suspension: independent front with live axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs in rear; Brakes: four wheel hydraulic drums. Left hand drive. In 1948 when Jaguar introduced their revolutionary new sports car, the XK120, they never realized it would become such a worldwide success. It was the start of an incredible line of Jaguar sports cars that would develop a distinguished competition history, with wins at the Le Mans 24-hour race 5 times and successes at hundreds of other major events. Its appearance at the 1948 Motor Show in England was met by crowds of people clamoring to own one of the most seductive and rapid cars of the era. Rather than hand-building a few cars as originally intended, Jaguar had to tool up for serious production as a result of this widespread and unexpected interest. The two main features leading to the XK120 series popularity were its major styling advances and, perhaps more importantly, the debut of the Jaguar twin overhead-camshaft engine that became the mainstay of Jaguar cars for over three decades. With a genuine 120mph performance and one of the all-time greatest designs, the XK120 continues to be as popular today as it was the day it was introduced. The 1953 XK120 on offer here was purchased by the current owner from the Christie's Tarrytown auction in April 1999 when the car had just two owners from new. At that time the vendor had used it only sparingly, adding just a modest 5,000 miles to the odometer during his ownership and indeed, the current recorded mileage now shows just over 44,000. The car has always been kept in running condition and has benefited from mechanical and restoration work during its previous ownership. This included a complete engine rebuild with the main and rod bearings, clutch and pressure plate, timing chain, high temperature valves and porcelain manifolds all replaced. Further mechanical work has included rebuilding the carburetors, overhauling the transmission, replacing the wiring, rebuilding the front end and rebuilding both the starter and the generator. Additionally, the XK120 was fitted with a variety of all new parts including a new master cylinder, stainless steel exhaust and five new chrome wire wheels and tires. The Jaguar's interior and exterior look very presentable throughout. The exterior was professionally repainted in the distinguished and classic Olde English White paint it now features. Special attention was taken during the repainting process to avoid the flat panel waving often characteristic on these cars. All brightwork on the car appears to be in fine condition and the interior was fully redone. The seats are finished with tan Connolly leather and these complement the burled walnut dashboard and light tan Jaguar insignia floormats and carpeting. Though the tool kit is not included with the car, it does come with an original jack, brass mallet and a chrome wire spare wheel and tire. Now with only the three owners from new, this eminently usable fixed head XK120 would be suitable for regular touring duties or classic eventing.