1. Skip to navigation
  2. Skip to content
  3. Skip to sidebar


Lot #28 - 1951 JAGUAR XK120 3.4-LITRE OTS

  • Auction House:
    Mossgreen
  • Sale Name:
    The Motorclassica Auction
  • Sale Date:
    14 Oct 2017 ~ 6pm
  • Lot #:
    28
  • Lot Description:
    1951 JAGUAR XK120 3.4-LITRE OTS
    Chassis No: 660827; Engine No: W 3413-7
  • Notes:
    The obsession for Jaguar began when a young William Lyons formed a small company building motorcycle sidecars called Swallow Sidecars, in 1922. Not long after, he began designing more stylish bodywork for motor cars. Jaguar’s first saloon cars of the late 40s had pre-war underpinnings but William Lyons and Jaguar stole the London Motor Show in 1948, showing their exotic sports car with an exquisite body shape that stunned the world. Powered by a 3.4 DOHC straight-six motor, the Jaguar XK120 was an elite sports car for road use – the XK120 name designating its top speed in miles per hour and the fastest production car in the world at that time. Offering outstanding value for money, orders flourished, leading Britain’s crucial post-war export market to America where the fashionable roadster found demand in Hollywood. Simultaneously, the 1949-1952 era of the XK120 lightweights and pre-production aluminium bodied cars achieved major competition results. Under the direction of Lofty England, the newly-formed racing department supplied 6 pre-war drivers with XK120s, including Prince Bira of Siam. With these lightweight versions, in 1949, with awe-inspiring results and major wins in England and America. A young Stirling Moss drove a pre-production car to victory in the 1950 Dunrod TT. In 1952, Lofty England and several works mechanics supported a works-modified XK120 coupe in a high-speed endurance test at Linas-Montlérhy for an average speed of 100mph for 7 days and nights breaking 9 speed and endurance records. During 1951-1953, the XK120C, or C-Type was developed as an endurance racing version, Jaguar going on to years of success at Le Mans and as a consequence the further development with the D type. In 1954, the XK120 was succeeded by the XK140, with the numerals of the name again indicating top speed but not withstanding making competition history in Australia also. And so, because this model has such intrinsic historical merit, researchers, specialists and collectors authenticate the chassis, engine numbers, all important manufacturing dates, via the Jaguar Heritage Trust. This open two-seater, Chassis number 660827 is accompanied by the official Jaguar Heritage Certificate which states this car was manufactured on 22 June 1951 as an open two-seater, right hand drive manual. It was despatched on 14th July 1951 and delivered new to Brylaw, Melbourne, Australia. The first owner was not recorded. The car was delivered new in Pastel Green with a Suede Green interior trim and a Sand soft top. Now presented resplendent in Old English White with blue leather interior trim with a matching navy-blue cloth soft top, this stylish motor car has been thoroughly restored recently to an exacting standard. The paintwork was carried out by Harley Wrigley (one of the team at Re-creation in Lilydale) and the body was restored by Dennis Robertson. Trim was attended to by Peter Buszko using quality materials from Classic and European. The engine has been comprehensively overhauled by Mike Roddy with improvements to boost performance including: set of wide rods; full set larger valves; series 3 camshafts; lightened flywheel; a full balance; polished aluminium components; new clutch plates and thrust bearing and a modern alternator. The car has its original 4-speed manual with overdrive gearbox. The car is currently fitted with bucket seats which provide an additional 6 inches of leg room in the cockpit. It also comes with the original flat seat backs that are re-trimmed in blue leather and have new specially shaped foam pads. The sale will also be accompanied with the Jaguar Heritage Certificate; a period 16” fitted Motolita steering wheel and the original restored black steering wheel; the original workshop manual; a reproduction handbook; and the correct period Lucas accessory fog lights. A blue cloth tonneau cover accompanies the car. In the boot are a set of fitted luggage in matching blue leather, a complete (compiled) tool kit, correct jack, wheelbrace and footpump. In August of this year, it had a complete rebuild of the front end and 2 new Michelin X tyres fitted. The car has also been recently serviced (receipts available on request). This beautifully restored Australian delivered XK120 offers a wonderful opportunity to acquire an iconic British sports car which is ready for the road as a superb driver’s car. This vehicle is documented in The Jaguar XK120 in the Southern Hemisphere, by John Elmsgreen and Terry McGrath. This vehicle will be sold unregistered.
  • Estimate:
    A$130,000 - 150,000
  • Realised Price:
    *****

    Can't see the realised price? Upgrade your subscription now!

  • Category:
    Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.



© 2010-2024 Find Lots Online Pty Ltd