1953 Jaguar XK

1953 Jaguar XK120 OTS The XK 120 made its debut at the Earl's Court Motor Show in 1948, creating nothing short of a sensation in the automotive world. Originally conceived as a low-volume car rather than a serious production vehicle, it was destined to become a formidable competitor and one of the most celebrated sports cars of all time. A total of 7,606 XK 120 OTS’s (Open Two-Seater) were produced from 1948 to 1954 and only 1202 in 1953. The XK 120 doses not only have beautiful and graceful lines but as the models name suggest is a real race proven competitor. It is powered by a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine with 160-hp, the XK120 was the fastest production car in the world during its day. On May 30, 1949, on the Ostend-Jabbeke motorway in Belgium, a XK120 timed by the officials of the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium achieved runs of 132.6 mph and 135 mph. In 1950 and 1951, at a banked oval track in France a XK120 OTS averaged over 100 mph for 24 hours and over 130 mph for an hour, and in 1952 a fixed-head coupé took numerous world records for speed and distance when it averaged 100 mph for a week. These were not and are not the unreliable car we were led to believe. The Jaguar XK120OTS combines jaw-dropping beauty and astonishing performance in equal parts. The swooping and curvaceous styling which was strongly influenced by Jaguar boss William Lyons. The bodywork clothes a sturdy chassis mated to a torsion bar independent front suspension and a live rear axle on leaf springs. It was not revolutionary in its day but it was up to date. What was revolutionary was the inline double-overhead-camshaft six cylinder engine displacing 3.4 liters and rated at 160 bhp. All that power was channeled aft via a four-speed manual gearbox. This Matching Number (supported by Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate No. 7719) 1953 JAGUAR XK120 OTS is finished in Carmen Red with Biscuit Connolly leather interior with Wilton wool carpeting, a Faun Top, 4 speed transmission, correct 54 spoke chrome wire wheels, fog lamps, and Tri-Bar head lamps. This stunning example has been shown in class C2 Championship Class; at a Jaguar Clubs of North America Concours event where it was awarded Best of Class (requires a minimum score of 900 points to be awarded). Now being offered to the public after many years in private collection this show quality roadster has been carefully serviced and offers the opportunity of an outstanding driving experience. Service included new brakes (master cylinder, new wheel cylinders, new brake shoes and new brake hoses), all cooling hoses replaced, original SU carbs rebuilt, all fluid systems cleaned, pressure tested & road tested. This car is ready to be rallied or showed. The wire wheels are fitted with period correct wide white tires. The instrumentation is original to the car and all are rebuilt and working. In the boot of this highly-detailed example is the original jack, its proper weather equipment, tool roll and its JCNA Best Jaguar in Class Award. The engine compartment, boot and underside down to leather gators enclosing the rear springs (although not seen) are all cosmetically restored to exacting show standards.