1951 Jaguar XK120 Roadster
Registration no. VDR 120
Chassis no. 660545
Engine no. W2826-7

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. Ironically, its creation had only come about because delays in the gestation of the MkVII saloon had forced Jaguar to find an alternative method of bringing its new 3.4-litre XK six-cylinder engine to public attention! Conceived as a low-volume model, the XK120 proved considerably more popular than expected, the resulting demand for what was then the world's fastest production car taking Jaguar by surprise. It was immediately obvious that the ash-framed alloy coachwork would have to go and the body was swiftly re-engineered in steel.

The '120' referred to the car's top speed, any doubts about that claim's veracity being swiftly banished when a carefully prepared X120 achieved 126.4mph with hood and side screens erected and 132.6mph minus its weather protection and equipped with an under-tray. In fact, the XK120 set new standards of comfort, roadholding and performance for British sports cars and, in keeping with the Jaguar tradition, there was nothing to touch it at the price. From launch until the end of production in the autumn of 1954 the XK120's popularity never slackened, especially in overseas markets that took over 85 percent of total output.

This original right-hand drive Jaguar XK120 roadster was originally supplied by Henley's to its first owner, a Mr Oswald Salvador. The car was first registered as 'MGT 883'. In 2010 the XK was treated to a body-off restoration and several upgrades. The works included galvanising the chassis; replacing the rear springs with nine-leaf Alpine springs; and swapping the original rear axle for a Salisbury unit. In addition, the car was fitted with a thicker anti-roll bar; Mk2 steering bushes; disc brakes all round; and 54-spoke 16" wire wheels. The interior has been re-trimmed in two-tone tan leather with matching carpets. The car was repainted in 2020 in Grey and presents very well. The engine has been fitted with a high performance cylinder head, larger 2" SU carburettors and a raised compression ratio. It also has disc brakes and a five speed manual gearbox for comfortable high speed touring.

Purchased by our vendor in 2021, the car benefits from considerable subsequent work, indeed over £20,000 has been spent with Classic Performance Engineering. Works included a new clutch, and while the engine and gearbox were on a stand, a strip and refurbishment was carried out. A breakdown is available on file. At the annual Jaguar Drivers Club meeting in July 2021, 'VDR 120' was presented the award for best original XK120, showing the quality of the car and the work undertaken.

This XK 120 is supplied with a V5C registration document, a Heritage certificate and a history file containing receipts, service details, and MoTs. The original gearbox, disc wheels and brake components can be collected from the vendor post sale.