1952 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

Launched at the 1948 Earl’s Court Motor Show to a war-weary Britain, the XK120 with its  plunging wave style lines and 120 mph performance was the car that lifted Jaguar from  ambitious British challenger to global motoring icon. 

It’s all new 6-cylinder twin OHC motor would also go on to achieve major competition  success, including 5 wins at Le Mans in both the C and D types throughout the 1950's. 

Along with its race proven engine, the XK120’s chassis delivered incredible handling  and following a speed run on a Belgian highway reaching 212 km/h it was also deemed  the fastest production car in the world. 

Available here we have a stunningly restored 1952 Jaguar XK120 OTS and as per it’s  Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate it still retains its corresponding chassis/engine  numbers and is an original right-hand drive. Due to higher demand from export markets  right-hand drive examples are simply put – rare. 

This car has some of the most interesting history CTS has had the pleasure to come across. Documented in the XK120 in the Southern Hemisphere publication, this was  sold new through Henly's of London in March 1952. It was ordered from the factory in  British Racing Green where it was recorded to be the first XK120 to be painted in BRG  and it also featured a Green leather interior. 

This vehicle chassis 660939 was originally mated to engine W2048-8. This is important to note because the engine number predates the chassis due to this motor being used in the earliest and famous XK120 Prototype HKV500 which successfully raced between 1949 and 1951 by notable drivers such as Peter Whitehead in August 1950 at  Silverstone and Stirling Moss at Mille Miglia in 1951. 

HKV500 was then dismantled and reduced to produce in late 1951. The engine then  found its way to 660939. 

First delivered to Captain John Edward Presgrave Howey of New Romney in Kent, he  was a well-known Brooklands racer, he also served in the Royal Flying Corps. The  vehicle then found its way to its second owner in January 1953 to an Antony Eastwood, then to a Leslie Barton January 1960 and then to John Albert Barton July 1966 as its early  history in the UK. 

It surfaced in Australia in late 1984, Frank purchased the car and brought it to Australia at  which point it was said to have covered only 26,000 miles. After two additional owners it  then came into the hands of its longest custodian who owned the vehicle  from 1988 until 2020. 

Its current owner subjected the vehicle to a nut and bolt restoration, the engine,  gearbox, suspension and driveline was completely rebuilt, the bodywork and the  interior was all professionally restored by a local marque specialist. 

Accompanied with a swathe of documentation, heritage certificates, ownership files  and even an original UK vehicle ownership log that dates back to 1952 this XK120 is  certainly not short of amazing provenance that would be of interest to the classic  enthusiast and discerning collector 

Testimony to the preservation, quality and authenticity of this XK120, this Jaguar  presents and drives exceptionally. 

Mille Miglia eligible and readily prepared, this rare sports classic is one to own, collect  and drive.