Debuting in 1948, the Jaguar XK120 became an instant classic, celebrated for its elegant design, high speed, and technological advancements. It was a success on the racetrack and set new standards in post-war automotive design. Jaguar’s sleek roadster introduced a powerful inline-six engine, capturing the imagination of enthusiasts and cementing its place in automotive history. CLcompany is delighted to feature the facts about the 1940s Classic Jaguar XK120.
Flashback
After World War II, Jaguar sought to showcase its engineering prowess by developing a sports car that would exceed both in performance and style. The XK120, introduced at the 1948 London Motor Show, was originally intended as a limited-edition model to display Jaguar’s new XK engine. However, its immediate popularity led to full-scale production. The “120” in its name referred to its top speed of 120 mph, making it the fastest production car in the world at the time. The XK120’s exceptional performance and stunning looks helped revive Jaguar’s fortunes, earning it a permanent place among iconic classic cars.
Years in Production – 1948 to 1954
The Design
The Jaguar XK120 had a graceful, flowing body. It was available as a roadster and later as a coupe and drophead coupe. Its long hood, low seating position, and sweeping curves defined an era of automotive beauty. Powering the XK120 was Jaguar’s new 3.4-liter XK inline-six engine, capable of producing 160 horsepower. This engine, designed with twin overhead camshafts, was ahead of its time and later became the foundation for many successful Jaguar models.
The car’s lightweight aluminum body (in the early limited-run models) was replaced with steel for mass production, but it retained its sleek aerodynamics. Paired with a four-speed manual transmission, the XK120 offered exhilarating speed and exceptional handling. Its suspension and braking systems were equally advanced, ensuring that the XK120 was not just fast but also responsive, whether on the road or the racetrack.
Top Specifications of Jaguar XK120
- Displacement – 3442 cm³
- Power – 160 bhp @ 5000 rpm
- Torque – 260 Nm @ 2500 rpm
- Transmission – 4-speed manual
- Top speed – 120 mph (193 km/h)
- Kerb weight – 1298 kg
- Wheelbase – 2590 mm
Interesting Facts
- The XK120 was the first car to exceed 120 mph in a speed test, setting a new world record for production cars at the time.
- Its engine, the XK inline-six, was so advanced that it remained in use in Jaguar cars until the late 1980s.
- The first 240 models were hand-built with lightweight aluminum bodies, which were eventually replaced with steel for easier mass production.
- The XK120 was driven by numerous famous personalities, including actor Clark Gable, adding to its allure and cultural significance.
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