1951 Jaguar XK120

Description

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This beautiful right-hand drive Jaguar XK120 Roaster was owned by XK Jaguar enthusiast and expert Joss Davenport. He purchased OAU 84 in 1968 and owned the car for 45 years until he passed away in 2013. Joss was best known for his great enthusiasm for the 'classic' XKs. He was a founder member of the XK Register of the Jaguar Driver's Club, becoming its first chairman in 1968. It was largely due to Joss's energy and enthusiasm that the XK Register quickly progressed to a membership of around 1,500. Joss would think nothing of waving down any XK he saw in order to chat and enrol the slightly surprised driver in the Register. Amongst the events he organised or helped to organise were the XK Days which attracted over 150 XKs, and in particular the Greenham Common sprints held in the late 1960s/early 1970s, as the air base was close to his home in Berkshire and was years before the base housed Cruise missiles. He was also involved with the organisation of the 1970 British Grand Prix drivers' parade lap where a fleet of XK120's took the drivers around the Brands Hatch circuit; Joss chauffeured Denny Hulme and the car has a plaque commemorating this. Joss continued to maintain a leading role in the Register through the 1970s, only retiring from the front line in the 1980s but retaining all his enthusiasm for Jaguars and XKs in particular. He joined the Jaguar Enthusiasts' Club not long after its inception and was a loyal member until his death.

OAU 84 has been well maintained and looked after throughout its entire life; in fact the only items fitted to the car which were not supplied when new are the rear wheel spats which Joss lost on two separate occasions. The engine was replaced in the 1960's. Finished in its original colour of silver with red leather interior, this XK120 Roadster is supplied with a V5C registration document, the original buff log book, the first V5 registration document, old MoT test certificates which show the car has covered about 30,000 miles since 1971 and a file containing some invoices, period photographs and copies of magazines which feature Joss and this XK120. This is a well known car within Jaguar circles, it has a very interesting racing history and is ready to be used and enjoyed by a new owner as much as it has been by its previous owners.

The XK120 Roadster, with its fully retractable hood, quickly became the most popular variant of the model. It offered an exhilarating open-top driving experience, allowing drivers to feel the wind in their hair as they unleashed the car's power on the open road. The XK120 also featured luxurious interiors, with sumptuous leather seats, elegant wood trim, and a classic dashboard layout that exuded timeless style and sophistication.

Not only was the XK120 a sensation on the road, but it also made a name for itself on the racetrack. Jaguar recognized the marketing potential of motorsports and entered the XK120 in various racing events, achieving remarkable success. The car's performance and reliability made it a force to be reckoned with, earning victories in prestigious races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Alpine Rally. These racing triumphs helped solidify Jaguar's reputation as a formidable competitor in the world of motorsports and added to the XK120's mystique.

While the original XK120 production run lasted until 1954, the car's legacy continued to evolve. Jaguar introduced the XK140 in 1954, followed by the XK150 in 1957, both building upon the XK120's success and pushing the boundaries of performance and design even further.

Today, the Jaguar XK120 remains highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Its timeless design, exhilarating performance, and historical significance make it a prized possession for those fortunate enough to own one. Restored examples continue to grace prestigious car shows and concours events, where they showcase their enduring beauty and showcase Jaguar's enduring legacy.

The Jaguar XK120 is not merely a car; it is a symbol of automotive excellence and a testament to Jaguar's commitment to pushing the boundaries of engineering and design. It paved the way for future Jaguar sports cars and left an indelible mark on the history of the brand. Driving an XK120 is an experience that evokes a sense of nostalgia, connecting drivers to a bygone era of classic motoring.

Whether admired for its elegant aesthetics, exhilarating performance, or its significant place in automotive history, the Jaguar XK120 is a true masterpiece that continues to inspire admiration and awe. It embodies the spirit of classic sports cars and represents an era of automotive excellence that will forever be cherished by enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

*This Car is currently being prepared for an in-house restoration*. Please call for details.