1952 Jaguar XK120C Competition Roadster Chassis no. 672525

1952 Jaguar XK120C Competition Roadster Chassis no. 672525
3.8-Liter DOHC High-Performance 6-Cylinder Engine3 Weber 45 DCOE CarburetorsEst 320 bhp at 5,200 rpm5-Speed Manual Borg Warner TransmissionFront Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle4-Wheel Performance Disc Brakes*Tastefully performance-prepared XK120 giving homage to period sports racing Jaguars*$150K-plus nut-and-bolt restoration performed by marque specialist Lone Star Vintage Restoration*Equipped with desirable cosmetic and mechanical performance upgrades for high-speed rallies and tours*Accompanied by the original matching-numbers engine 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 but 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. With orders rolling in apace, Jaguar had no choice but to think again about the XK120's method of construction. The work of Jaguar boss, William Lyons himself, and one of the most beautiful shapes ever to grace a motor car, the body had been conceived as a coachbuilt, aluminum paneled structure for the simple reason that Jaguar expected to sell no more than 200 XK120s in the first year! In conjunction with the Pressed Steel Fisher Company, a new all-steel paneled body was developed. The body retained the fabulous looks of the coachbuilt original, while differing in minor external details. Beneath the skin the steel car was entirely different, and it would take some twenty months of development before manufacture could begin. The XK120's heart was, of course, the fabulous XK engine, which had been developed during the war and was intended for Jaguar's forthcoming Mark VII saloon. A 3.4-liter "six" embodying the best of modern design, it boasted twin overhead camshafts running in an aluminum-alloy cylinder head, seven main bearings, and a maximum output of 160bhp. It went into a chassis that was essentially a shortened version of the simultaneously announced Mark V saloon's, featuring William Heynes' torsion bar independent front suspension. Jaguar lost no time in demonstrating that the XK120's claimed top speed was no idle boast. In May of 1949, on the Jabbeke to Aeltre autoroute, an example with its hood and side screens in place recorded a speed of 126mph and 132mph with the hood and windscreen detached and an under-tray fitted. THE MOTORCAR OFFEREDOffered here is a tastefully prepared Jaguar XK120 sports racer, paying homage to the few competition-prepared XK120s from the period, such as the three run by the famous Le Mans winning race team, Ecurie Ecosse. Completed during July of 1952 as a left-hand drive XK120 Roadster at the Jaguar Works, the new Jaguar was destined for the booming US sports car market. Reportedly a sound and solid example at the time, the XK120 was acquired for restoration in 2004 by the previous and possibly just second owner, a Los Angeles based sports car enthusiast, with a fantastic collection of sports and competition cars. A regular on the Italian Mile Miglia, he wanted to build a tastefully prepared Jaguar sports competition car, paying homage to the wonderful XK120Cs which ran in period. The comprehensive work was carried out by the Jaguar specialists at Lone Star Vintage Restoration of Houston, Texas, at a cost of more than $150,000 at the time. The work included fitting the potent 3.8-Liter competition Jaguar XK engine as seen in the car today, featuring high-lift cams, enlarged valves and 9:1 compression, while fed through triple Weber carburetors and sparked by dual-point ignition. A dyno test done at the time measured an impressive 320-plus bhp at 5,200 rpm. The original matching-numbers 3.4-Liter engine was retained, safely crated, and is offered with the car today. A 5-speed Borg Warner gearbox was fitted, along with side exhaust, period correct Le Mans style louvres on the bonnet and front fenders along with Le Mans style quick-filler fuel cap and a leather bonnet strap. Borrani wire wheels was fitted, while the stock bumpers were removed, and disc brakes along with competition-grade suspension fitted, giving the car excellent road holding and braking capabilities. Inside the cockpit, custom alloy leather-upholstered bucket seats were fitted with competition-style seatbelts, along with a sleek racing windscreen and a classic wood-rimmed steering wheel. After completion, the Jaguar was campaigned on various rallies and driving events including the Colorado Grand, while also placing well in Concours d'Elegance shows. The sporting Jaguar was acquired by the consignor 15 years ago and has since been retained in his impressive collection of European sports cars. This powerful, tastefully done XK120 offers a great opportunity to acquire an engaging driver's car that is also beautiful and eligible for various driving events.