Jaguar XK120 Roadster

In the years after the war, when the world was hungry for speed and beauty again, Jaguar unveiled a car that changed everything, the XK120. It was Sleek, low, and impossibly fast for its time, 120 mph fast and it instantly became a symbol of a new era. By 1951, the car was still in its early production years, and each example from that period carried the purity and excitement of the original vision.

Under its long, sculpted bonnet lay a 3.4-liter DOHC inline-six, breathing through twin SU carburetors. With about 160 horsepower and a four-speed manual gearbox, the engine delivered a smooth surge of torque that made the car feel both eager and sophisticated. For many drivers, it was the first time a machine could be both thrillingly quick and effortlessly refined.

Its design was part of the magic, those sweeping fenders, the impossibly long hood, and the low windscreen that made the road feel close enough to touch. Early cars, including the 1951 Roadster, wore aluminum doors, bonnet, and boot lid over a steel body, giving them a lithe, almost hand-built character. And the Roadster itself was the purest form of the XK120, just the essentials, minimal weather protection, and a direct connection between driver and machine.

Inside, the car continued its understated elegance. Leather seats, simple gauges arranged with purpose, and often a wood rim wheel it all felt crafted rather than manufactured, a quiet contrast to its bold performance.

Today, the 1951 models are cherished not just for their rarity, but for the sense of history they carry. They represent the XK120 at its most authentic, a blend of artistry and engineering that still feels alive with the spirit of the age that created it.

THIS CAR

This numbers-matching 1951 Jaguar XK120 Roadster is an example of one of Britain’s most iconic sports cars, enhanced with desirable factory-specified features. Power comes from its original naturally aspirated 3.4-litre inline-six with twin SU carburettors, now paired with a sympathetically fitted five-speed manual gearbox for improved drivability. Delivered new to Dr. J. M. Hendry of Glasgow in January 1951, this XK120 is said to have successfully participated in numerous European rallies, adding to its rich and engaging provenance.

This XK120 Roadster has been thoughtfully upgraded for improved usability, featuring electric power steering, front disc brakes, a five-speed manual transmission with high-ratio final drive, and cooling enhancements including an aluminium radiator and expansion tank.

Finished in a deep black exterior, the car is paired with a maroon and biscuit leather interior accented by red carpeting and bright chrome details. It sits on classic 16-inch black steel wheels with chrome hubcaps and lips, fitted with Michelin X tyres for an authentic period look.

Notable features include its split windscreen, rear wheel arch spats, four-spoke steering wheel, Smiths instrumentation, and practical interior touches such as leather door pulls and door-pocket storage.

Accompanying the car is an impressive package: rally trophies, a detailed history file, full weather gear (including a tonneau cover and removable side screens), a spare wheel and jack, the Jaguar Heritage Certificate, the original owner’s manual, and a handbook. A comprehensive restoration is believed to have been completed roughly 12 years ago, notable enough to be featured in JDCmagazine, and while the car presents well overall, the interior now shows some age-related patina and would benefit from a little cosmetic attention to bring it back to its best.

The most recent mechanical attention for this XK120 was completed in May 2024 by the specialists at Guy Broad Jaguar. Their work included installing a new alternator, renewing the spark plugs, fitting fresh front suspension bushes, and replacing the front brake discs and pads. They also refreshed the rear suspension bushes, fitted new torsion bars, overhauled and set up the carburettors, and carried out an engine oil and filter change. Guy Broad Jaguar also handled routine servicing in both 2022 and 2023. Back in October 2021, their technicians performed a comprehensive service, added an electronic ignition system, and fine-tuned the carburettors.

The most recent MOT was carried out on 1 May 2024 at an indicated 80,783 miles, where it achieved a clean, first-time pass with no advisories.

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At Sasso Automotive, excellence is our defining standard. Every vehicle that departs from our Showroom is presented in exceptional condition, reflecting our unwavering commitment to quality. We carefully select only those vehicles that have been meticulously maintained and cherished throughout their lives. Each one undergoes a comprehensive inspection process before being offered for sale, ensuring it meets our exacting standards. Every vehicle is supplied with a full MOT, a complete service, and is covered either by the manufacturer’s warranty or our exclusive Sasso Automotive Warranty.

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