XK120 Roadster

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About this car

The Jaguar XK120 Roadster is one of the most celebrated British sports cars of the postwar era, introduced at the 1948 London Motor Show as a showcase for Jaguar's new twin-cam XK engine. The '120' in its name referenced its top speed of 120 mph, making it the fastest production car in the world at the time. Built on a steel chassis with an alloy body (early cars) later replaced by steel, the open two-seater Roadster was the first and most iconic of the three XK120 body styles, preceding the Fixed Head Coupe (1951) and Drophead Coupe (1953). Powered by a 3.4-litre straight-six producing around 160 bhp in standard trim (SE version offered 180 bhp), it delivered effortless, graceful performance wrapped in stunning William Lyons-penned bodywork. The XK120 competed successfully in motorsport, including class wins at Le Mans, and was a favourite of Hollywood stars and racing drivers alike. Today, well-preserved or restored Roadsters command strong values at auction and remain icons of Goodwood Revival and Pebble Beach.

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