This 1952 Jaguar XK 120 Fixed Head Coupe was imported through Max Hoffman in New York City in 1952. He was responsible for bringing great European cars to America.
It spent its early life in the New York area with later life in Florida. This car was purchased by the current owners in 2006 as an uncompleted restoration project as the restorer passed away mid-project. A seven year restoration ensued. OEM parts were sourced from around the globe.
The XK120 was designed as a touring car but enjoyed much success in racing. Their main weaknesses were drum brakes which wore quickly and heavy steering. The front drum brakes have been replaced with discs to make the car more driveable.
The car is powered by a 160 horsepower, 3.4 liter, inline-six cylinder engine with twin SU carburetors. Peak horsepower was achieved at 5000 rpm. 120 mph was the promised top speed from the factory however the top speed of the vehicle was actually around 126-132 mph depending on the trim of the vehicle. It was the fastest production car available at that time.
Design and Features
- Manufacturer: Jaguar Cars Ltd., a British manufacturer renowned for producing luxury and sports cars.
- Body Style: The XK 120 was available as a two-seat roadster (Open Two-Seater, or OTS), fixed-head coupe (FHC), and drophead coupe (DHC).
- Chassis: Built on a robust steel ladder frame, the chassis was designed to provide strength and rigidity while maintaining a relatively light weight.
- Bodywork: The body panels were initially made from aluminum to keep weight down, but later switched to steel for mass production. The design featured long, flowing lines, a distinctive front grille, and an elegant, streamlined shape.
- Interior: Luxuriously appointed with leather upholstery, a walnut dashboard (in the FHC and DHC), and a well-designed cockpit that emphasized both style and functionality.
Performance
- Engine: Powered by Jaguar’s XK inline-6 engine, a highly advanced and powerful engine for its time.
- Displacement: The engine had a displacement of 3.4 liters (3442 cc).
- Power Output: Producing approximately 160 horsepower in its standard form, which could be increased with various tuning options.
- Transmission: Equipped with a 4-speed manual gearbox, offering smooth and precise gear shifts.
- Top Speed: Capable of reaching speeds up to 120 mph (193 km/h), making it the fastest production car in the world at the time of its launch.
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in approximately 10 seconds, which was impressive for the era.
- Suspension: Independent front suspension with torsion bars and a live rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs, providing a balance of comfort and sporty handling.
- Brakes: Drum brakes on all four wheels, which were standard at the time but provided adequate stopping power for the car’s performance.
Historical Significance and Legacy
- Introduction and Impact: Introduced in 1948 at the London Motor Show, the XK 120 caused a sensation with its beautiful design and outstanding performance. It was named "120" to reflect its top speed, which was unprecedented for a production car.
- Racing Pedigree: The XK 120 had considerable success in motorsport, including victories in events like the RAC Rally and the Alpine Rally. It also set numerous speed records, solidifying Jaguar’s reputation for performance and engineering excellence.
- Influence on Jaguar: The success of the XK 120 helped establish Jaguar as a leading manufacturer of high-performance sports cars and set the stage for future models, including the XK 140, XK 150, and the legendary E-Type.
Notable Features
- Iconic Design: The XK 120’s design is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in automotive history, with its flowing lines, long hood, and curvaceous fenders.
- Advanced Engineering: The XK engine was a masterpiece of engineering, featuring a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design that was advanced for its time and contributed to its high performance.
- Racing Success: The XK 120’s racing achievements demonstrated its capabilities and durability, further enhancing its reputation and desirability.
Challenges
- Maintenance and Restoration: Maintaining and restoring an XK 120 requires specialized knowledge and access to authentic parts, given its age and the complexity of its engineering.
- Drum Brakes: While adequate for the time, the drum brakes can be a limitation in terms of stopping power and heat dissipation compared to modern braking systems.
Legacy
- Historical Impact: The XK 120 is celebrated for its contribution to the post-war revival of the automotive industry and its role in establishing Jaguar as a premier manufacturer of sports cars.
- Collector’s Value: The XK 120 is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, prized for its beauty, performance, and historical significance. Well-preserved or expertly restored examples command high prices at auctions and among private buyers.
- Cultural Influence: The XK 120 has appeared in numerous films, TV shows, and other media, cementing its status as an automotive icon and a symbol of 1950s style and performance.
You may purchase a print of the 1952 Jaguar XK 120 Fixed Head Coupe in our dElegance 2019 online gallery.