1953 Jaguar XK120 Fixed Head Coupe
Chassis no. 680893
Engine no. W7726-8
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 Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Beautifully presented example of the iconic XK120 Fixed Head Coupe
*Retains Matching numbers engine and presented in period-correct Champagne Gold exterior color
*Offered with Heritage Trust Certificate and tools
*One of the most timeless and beautiful Jaguar models ever produced


THE JAGUAR XK120

Told by the post-war Attlee government to 'Export or die', the British motor industry responded valiantly, none more so than Jaguar Cars, soon to become the UK's biggest US-dollar earner thanks in no small measure to the success of its XK120 sports car. Conceived and constructed in but a few months, the XK120 debuted at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show where the stunning looking Roadster caused a sensation.

Its striking appearance, the XK120 was built on a separate chassis, featuring independent front suspension by means of wishbones and torsion bars, a live rear axle, and large hydraulic drum brakes in all four corners. The car's heart was, of course, the fabulous XK engine. Conceived in wartime and intended for Jaguar's post-war range-topping saloon, the 3.4-liter straight-six embodied the best of modern design, boasting twin overhead camshafts running in an aluminum cylinder head, seven main bearings, and a maximum output of 160bhp matched by endless torque.

The body was the work of Jaguar boss William Lyons himself - and widely considered one of the most beautiful shapes ever to grace an automobile - it was conceived as an aluminum structure for the simple reason that Jaguar expected to sell no more than 200 XK120 Roadsters - or Open Two Seater (OTS) - in the first year! The exquisitely beautiful and well-balanced Fixed Head Coupe (FHC) soon followed, and it remains one of the most celebrated closed Coupe designs done on a non-coachbuilt passenger car to date, and very much resembles some of the best lines of Jean Bugatti's Type 57 Atalante masterpiece.

The XK120 was also the basis of Jaguar's racing dynasty and the early mount for many future driving legends including Stirling Moss and Phil Hill. In various tune levels, Jaguar's 'XK' engine famously propelled Jaguar's XK 120 C, C-Type, and D-Type sports racers to international racing dominance, including five Jaguar wins (1951, 1953, 1955-57) at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

The XK120 set new standards of comfort, roadholding, performance and styling for British sports cars and, in keeping with Jaguar tradition, there was nothing to touch it at the price.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This gorgeous Champagne Gold XK120 Fixed Head Coupe was completed at the Jaguar Works during March of 1953 as a factory left hand drive example, and dispatched soon after to the United States East Coast distributor Max Hoffman in New York. Originally finished in Dove Grey, the Jaguar would later join a private collection, remaining there until recently. Today this classic XK Fixed Head Coupe shows beautifully throughout and is reported to run and drive very well. Rear-wheel spats, body-colored steel disc-type wheels, and period style blackwall tires enhance the gorgeous, sleek exterior of this XK120. The decidedly luxurious character of this Jaguar is heightened by its taut and attractive black leather upholstery, proper Smiths instruments, and finely restored, visually striking burled wood interior trim.

Crucially, this XK120 FHC maintains excellent integrity by retaining its original, numbers-matching 3.4-liter engine block and cylinder head - confirmed by the corresponding Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate that accompanies the sale of the car. In addition, this Jaguar is offered with a factory tool kit and mounted spare wheel.

As few as 2,678 XK120 Fixed Head Coupes were produced between 1951-54, with the model featuring unforgettable styling and an exquisitely wood-trimmed interior. This powerful and highly collectible Jaguar would be a great entry to any number of historic rallies, or simply parked where one can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the original, un-altered XK Fixed Head Coupe design.

Note about Buyer's Premium for this lot:
The final bid (hammer) price of each lot will be subject to a buyer's premium. For MOTOR CAR lots the premium is 12% on the first $250,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the bid price exceeding $250,000.