1952 Jaguar XK120SE Fixed Head Coupe

1952 Jaguar XK120SE Fixed Head Coupe

Conceived and constructed in just a few months, the XK120 debuted at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show where the stunning looking roadster caused a sensation. Ironically, its creation had only come about because delays in the gestation of the MkVII saloon had forced Jaguar to find an alternative method of bringing its new 3.4-liter XK six-cylinder engine to public attention! Conceived as a low-volume model, the XK120 proved considerably more popular than expected, the resulting demand for what was then the world's fastest production car taking Jaguar by surprise. It was immediately obvious that the ash-framed alloy coachwork would have to go and the body was swiftly re-engineered in steel.

The '120' referred to the car's top speed, any doubts about that claim's veracity being swiftly banished when a carefully prepared X120 achieved 126.4mph with hood and side screens erected and 132.6mph minus its weather protection and equipped with an under-tray. In fact, the XK120 set new standards of comfort, roadholding and performance for British sports cars and, in keeping with the Jaguar tradition, there was nothing to touch it at the price. From launch until the end of production in the autumn of 1954 the XK120's popularity never slackened, especially in overseas markets that took over 85 percent of total output.

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