1951 Jaguar XK120 'LT1' Competition Specifications

1951 Jaguar XK120 'LT1' Competition Specifications

When introduced in 1949, the Jaguar XK120 Roadster set new standards of comfort, handling and performance for sports cars, and in keeping with the Jaguar tradition there was nothing to touch it at the price. Coupe and Drophead Coupe versions followed, which provided the opportunity to offer a luxurious interior with copious amounts of wood veneer. Regardless of the type of bodywork, the XK120 was a genuine 120mph car capable of sustained high-speed cruising.

In 1951, William Lyons was preparing Jaguar's new C-Type for entry at Le Mans. Doubtful that the completely new automobile would be ready in time for the race, Lyons ordered three special Works-built XK120s as an insurance policy. These cars were the first XK120s since the initial run of 210 cars in 1949 and 1950 to have lightweight aluminum coachwork. They boasted tweaked lines with cut-down doors, rear sheet metal produced in a single piece, and Brooklands-type aerodynamic windscreens. Known as LT1, LT2, and LT3, the cars wound up not racing at Le Mans, as the C-Types were completed in time. They sat around Browns Lane until Charles Hornburg, the famous US West Coast Jaguar importer, spotted them during a visit. He promptly purchased the cars and exported them stateside, where Phil Hill masterfully drove one to 3rd overall and a class win in its very first race in August 1951. LT1 remained in England and went to Jaguar employee Bob Berry, who mounted its coachwork to an XK120 chassis that he already owned and installed a D-Type engine and four-wheel disc brakes. The car was eventually brought to North America and was exhaustively raced by the late Peter Price at various West Coast circuits.

Descriptions & pictures by bonhams & wikipedia