|
|
Chassis:
The XK120's big claim to fame was a world record run for production cars at Jabbeke, Belgium in 1949. A few years later, the record was broken by a V8-engined Pegaso. Keen to get to the top of the charts, Jaguar founder William Lyons had an XK120 especially modified for a second attempt. The car used already had racing history as it had won the 1952 Alpine Rally. For the new record run, the engine was slightly tweaked, while a slippery 'bubble top', covered headlights and a full length under-body was fitted. With the tyres inflated to 50 psi, the special XK120 was entrusted to Jaguar test-driver Norman Dewis on October 20th, 1953. His staggering run of just over 174 mph (276 km/h) was sufficient to win the production record back. With the bubble top removed, the car's racing success continued with wins at Goodwood, Brands Hatch and Crystal Palace. Its contemporary career ended in 1957.
Following its successful racing career, the car was certainly not pampered and in rather derelict condition, it eventually arrived at Derek Hoods' JD Classics in 2011. The company embarked on an 18-month restoration to bring the car back to its Jabbeke configuration. The work was completed in time to show the XK120 for its American owner at the 2013 Quail, a Motorsports Gathering, where it was reunited with Norman Dewis. It has since been acquired by a prominent Swiss Jaguar collector, who has shown it at Villa d'Este and Pebble Beach, where Dewis was again on hand to tell about the car. He explained that sitting under the car's canopy was very much like sitting in a fish bowl, severly distorting his vision.
| Chassis details |
| Manufactured in |
May 27, 1952 |
| Last known location |
Swiss Private Collection |
| Appearances |
|
|
|
Ultimatecarpage.com
> Cars by brand
> Great Britain
> Jaguar
Racing cars
> Other Sportscars
