Lot 181 - 1954 Jaguar XK120 Roadster ‘Fast road’
| Lot Number | 181 |
| Registration | VXS 459 |
| Chassis Number | 672849 |
| Engine Number | W5973-8 |
| Odometer reading | 20 miles |
| Estimate | £90,000 - £120,000 |
Divine intervention took place when Malcolm Sayer penned the first few curves that went on to define the XK120. The relationship between wings and bonnet leading back to encompass, imperceptibly, the cockpit and ending with a gently haunched tail is glorious. Powered by the competition-proven, six cylinder from the Le Mans-winning and legendary D-Type, the 3.4 litre provided a flexible power curve through the gears with superb performance available as you approach the red-line. With heritage like this, it is little surprise that standard road specification XKs were often taken to the next level by their owners looking for that extra performance and the look and feel of their racing siblings.
Indeed a number of companies evolved offering such a service. One of the unassailable leaders in the field is Guy Broad. Indeed any car with a service history including works undertaken by this company will certainly command a premium.
It is satisfying to note therefore then that there is significant Guy Broad input in this instance. Starting with the body, this was, as you would expect with an ‘above the curve example’ separated into its constituent parts, taken back to bare metal and re-painted in royal blue. The bonnet now benefits from additional cooling in the shape of louvres from front to back. 12 before the bonnet stiffener and 15 after, as per original all held down with the addition of a leather bonnet strap. Lighting takes the form, as you would expect with standard headlamps but with the addition of rally spotlights as per the famous ‘NOB 120’ fully competition racing car.
Under the skin, the engine and gearbox (now five-speed) has been taken apart by our friends at Guy Broad, rebuilt with an automatic choke and 2” twin SU carburettors set-up by Alto at A.J. Coachworks and then fitted with an aluminium radiator, installed to assist cooling. 8bhp is added to the power output by the adding of big bore, stainless steel exhaust pipe and stainless steel fittings throughout.
The interior has also not been neglected and the seating restored to an ox-blood red colour with tan inserts and a black mohair hood and weather equipment. Great thought has gone into the usability of this 120 to the extent that the footwell, on both sides, has been extended by 6” into the bulkhead to accommodate those slightly taller drivers and their passengers. Additionally, the twin 6v battery boxes in the boot, now converted to a single 12v system battery (with battery cut-out), has allowed one of the boxes to become available and has subsequently now had a lid built for it and been fully upholstered throughout for valuables etc.
To finish, a Le Mans style fuel filler cap can be found to the rear and this beautifully-built roadster sits on 16” chrome wire wheels and new tyres. Achingly beautiful and, frankly, quick.
Interested parties should know that this example has been converted from left to righthand drive.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.