Post-war Britain was full of industrial potential despite being war-torn, fiscally challenged and drained of energy after years of fighting. Sir William Lyons however was a man with a dream. In 1948 the Jaguar boss launched what would become the eternal sports car blueprint and the fastest production car in the world.
Lyons had spent the war years perfecting an elegant and sleek aluminium body design for his XK120, named for the record-breaking top speed it could achieve. When the world reacted to its launch with more elation than even Lyons could have hoped for, Jaguar struggled to build the XK120 fast enough to meet demand. Not only were the aluminium bodies attracting regular showroom customers but the lightweight construction complemented the 3.4-litre straight-six tremendously enough to entice racing drivers too. Sir Stirling Moss won his first international race at the wheel of one.
In order to meet demand and save time during the build process, pressed steel bodies were used from the spring of 1950 onwards. XK120 production lasted until 1954 and kick-started the world's love affair with the Jaguar brand. North America took a particular interest and many left Coventry for a passage across the Atlantic.
The Jaguar XK120 Roadster offered here is one of the most important road-going examples to be brought to the market in recent times. This is chassis 675105 which first came to Sweden in the early 90s and is now ready to return home.
This XK120 has been fully maintained by a dedicated technician mechanic over recent years. Work carried out has included a rewire of the electrics and new brakes fitted all round. The 3.4-litre straight-six engine starts on the button and comes with a fresh compression certificate test. Mechanically the car is in fine order but the body needs some TLC to bring the XK120 back to its former glory. This is a great opportunity to finish the restoration yourself and complete the final finish to your own choice of standard.
A former stablemate of some of the world's most important cars, this XK previously belonged to Lord Anthony Bamford and resided in the famous JCB Historic Collection in Gloucestershire for many years. A detailed history file accompanies this extraordinary XK120 Roadster which also starred in the 'Marques of a Legend' video of the mid-1980s.
The E-Type may be Jaguar's most famous model but the XK120 is unquestionably the car that made it all possible. It is without doubt one of the most important British cars of the 20th Century and this is a very fine and highly original example.