1949 JAGUAR XK120 ALLOY "RACER" F1039 - Overstreet House of Cars

Est. 300 bhp, 3,781 cc DOHC inline six-cylinder engine with a C-Type cylinder head and two SU carburetors, upgraded Borg Warner five-speed manual transmission, front independent wishbone suspension with torsion bars and an anti-roll bar, rear live axle with semi-elliptic springs, and front disc and rear drum brakes. Wheelbase: 102 in.

The 25th of 242 alloy-bodied XK120s produced
Extensive restoration by marque specialists
Finished in Battleship Grey, with C-Type seats
Features tasteful upgrades and modifications for enhanced touring
Proven performer as a past California Mille and Colorado Grand participant

As the story goes, when the XK120 made its debut at the Earls Court Motor Show in 1948, it created nothing short of a sensation in the automotive world. Initially, the cars were constructed of light alloy and then they were switched to conventional pressed steel, but the superb styling remained a constant. Production of all-steel bodies wouldn’t begin until May 1950. At the close of production in 1954, a total of 12,055 XK120 roadsters, coupes, and drophead coupes were produced, including just 242 hand-built alloy roadsters at the start of production.

Chassis 670025 was completed on November 9, 1949, and finished in black over a red leather interior. It is the 25th left-hand-drive example to have been completed by Jaguar, and of the 242 alloy-bodied cars, about 180 were produced with left-hand drive. This car was delivered to its first owner through well-known U.S. distributor Max Hoffman in New York City, and it was immediately put to use as a race car by its first owner. It is believed that during this time, the car’s chassis was replaced by a later one from a 1953 Fixed Head Coupe, chassis number 679902, for improved rigidity on the track. Sometime thereafter, Paul Peattie and Ali Lugo de Armis, well-known East Coast racers and vintage sport car collectors, jointly owned the Jaguar for many years. In April, 2000, it was acquired by Rob Mooney, who continued to race the XK120 competitively in vintage events at Lime Rock and the Louden Raceway in New Hampshire. He subsequently sold the Jaguar to noted New York architect Steven Harris in November 2007.

Between 2007 and 2009, the Alloy XK120 was afforded a thorough nut-and-bolt restoration by marque specialists at Mike Wilson’s Restorations, of Visalia, California, while Terry’s Jaguar Parts, of Benton, Illinois, performed the work on the Jaguar’s engine. At the time, the car was painted British Racing Green, but it was refinished in Battleship Grey over pigskin hides. During the restoration, many of the upgraded components added over the years were restored, while other features were added to benefit performance and drivability. The result is a stunningly beautiful, event-ready XK120 with a period-correct appearance and outstanding performance.

The car is equipped with a 3.8-litre Jaguar twin-cam six fitted with twin SU sandcast carburetors, reworked camshafts, and a ported and polished C-Type head that is said to produce over 300 horsepower. In addition, it has been upgraded with a Borg-Warner five-speed manual transmission, front disc brakes, and classic lightweight Dunlop racing wheels. Further enhancing its sporting pedigree are correct lightweight C-Type racing seats with safety belts, Brooklands screens, leather bonnet straps, an outside fuel filler, Lucas tri-beam headlamps, and auxiliary spotlights. Its Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate is provided, along with a tool roll. Although not installed, the original side skirts and black steering wheel are included, along with a file of restoration and service receipts.

This XK120 was the winner of a Best in Class award at the 2009 Carmel-by-the-Sea Concours on the Avenue, and it was displayed at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and Belmont Concours d’Eleganza in 2010. The car has also participated in the 2011 Presidio of San Francisco Concours d’Elegance. In addition, it has successfully rallied in the Colorado Grand and the California Mille without incident, which is a true testament to the quality of both the restoration and preparation of this beautiful alloy-bodied Jaguar.