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A Historic Jaguar XK120 OTS LHD: Driven by Prince Bira and Part of Racing History
London, UK - In a remarkable turn of events, a renowned Jaguar XK120 OTS LHD that participated in the prestigious '1952 Daily Express - Race of Champions' at Silverstone has resurfaced and captured the attention of enthusiasts and collectors alike. This extraordinary vehicle, with a captivating racing pedigree, made its debut at the exclusive 2023 Salon Privè in London, where its illustrious history and significance were showcased to automotive enthusiasts from around the world.
The '1952 Daily Express - Race of Champions' was a legendary event that brought together some of the finest drivers of the era, vying for victory on the hallowed grounds of Silverstone. Jaguar, recognizing the importance of this race, specially tuned a select number of XK120 OTS cars for the event. Among these handpicked machines, one particular example stood out - the car that was driven by Prince Bira of Siam, a talented driver with an impressive racing record.
As fate would have it, this remarkable XK120 OTS shared the racetrack with a young and ambitious Stirling Moss, who would go on to become a motorsport legend. Prince Bira, behind the wheel of this very car, displayed exceptional skill and determination, securing an impressive 3rd place finish in the '1952 Daily Express - Race of Champions.' This marked a significant milestone in the car's racing history, forever intertwining it with the triumphs of renowned drivers and the illustrious heritage of Jaguar.
What makes this XK120 OTS even more intriguing is the unique backstory of the race itself. Jaguar, in an unexpected move, supplied these specially tuned cars in left-hand drive (LHD), despite the event taking place in the United Kingdom. The six cars, straight from the factory stock, were made available to the drivers for a few test laps before the race. Each driver randomly selected a car, creating an element of surprise and unpredictability. After the race, these remarkable machines were returned to Jaguar stock, where they were reverted to their standard road specifications and allocated to new distributor orders, unbeknownst to the unsuspecting buyers.
This specific Jaguar XK120 OTS, the very car driven by Prince Bira in the '1952 Daily Express - Race of Champions,' has remained hidden from the public eye for over 35 years, residing in a prestigious US collection. However, it has now made its way back to the United Kingdom, rekindling its connection to its historic roots. The car has recently undergone a meticulous mechanical rebuild, which included a performance enhancing 5 Speed Manual Gearbox, ensuring its impeccable drivability . Supplied with a Jaguar Heritage Certificate, this XK120 OTS exudes an undeniable aura of significance and historical importance.
Presented in a captivating Pale Blue Pastel shade, complemented by a Dark Blue Leather Interior, this car is a sight to behold. It showcases the elegant design and timeless beauty that has made the XK120 an icon in the automotive world. As a testament to its prestigious heritage, the vehicle is accompanied by fitted Jaguar luggage from the period and a rare Jaguar full tool kit, further enhancing its appeal and authenticity.
Enthusiasts and collectors are now presented with a truly rare opportunity to acquire a vehicle of immense significance and historical value. This exceptional XK120 OTS, forever entwined with the racing history of Prince Bira and the '1952 Daily Express - Race of Champions,' is poised to become the centerpiece of any automotive collection. With its remarkable provenance, stunning aesthetics, and recent mechanical rebuild, this car represents an extraordinary chance to own a piece of motoring history that will captivate the hearts and minds of enthusiasts for generations to come.
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