The XK120 was launched on the 1948 Earls Court docket Motor Present: With its revolutionary twin-cam engine and sweeping traces it proved to be a success, nevertheless it was solely ever meant to be a showcase for Sir William Lyons’ new six-cylinder engine initially destined for Jaguar’s new vary of saloons.

As a result of the forthcoming line-up was not prepared on time, Jaguar determined to fabricate a limited-production sports activities automotive. Lyons designed the light-weight aluminium physique fitted to a modified metal and ash body from the modern Mark V saloon, from which the chassis was additionally borrowed and lower down. The aforementioned 3.4-litre engine was fitted to create the XK120 prototype, which on the time was the quickest automotive on the earth. Round 200 examples have been constructed. As a result of demand turned out to be a lot increased than anticipated, in 1950 Lyons commenced mass manufacturing utilizing metal our bodies. This was often known as the Open Two Seater, whereas a Fastened Head Coupé appeared in 1951 and a Drop Head Coupé was launched in 1953.

This explicit 1954 XK120, which I photographed at Concours of Class 2020, has been restored to life-long Jaguar fanatic David Gandy’s bespoke specification. The 11-month challenge, which was an in depth collaboration between Gandy and consultants at Jaguar Basic, took 2700 hours to finish. The temporary was to make the automotive race prepared for traditional motor sport occasions. After an acceptable 1954 base automotive had been tracked down in California, distinctive upgrades impressed by the XK120 Light-weight have been fitted whereas as a lot of the unique automotive as potential was retained.

The unique engine was rebuilt over five-and-a-half months, after which it delivered a further 45bhp and enhanced sturdiness, with a fast-shifting four-speed guide gearbox. An all-new, upgraded exhaust system with twin pipes as an alternative of the standard single unit was additionally fitted, along with uprated entrance brake discs and four-pot callipers. The suspension makes use of absolutely adjustable dampers, permitting the Basic staff to fine-tune the dealing with for occasions.

On the skin, 13 litres of strong black paint have been utilized, whereas further exterior options embody a racing impressed flip-top gas cap and twin aero screens within the place of the unique split-screen windscreen – a function that’s synonymous with the XK120 Light-weight. Contained in the automotive has been retrimmed in aged saddle tan leather-based by Bridge of Weir that includes a particular lattice design, with the seatbacks completed in aluminium somewhat than material. A customized 15-inch steering wheel and made-to-measure entrance seat additional improve consolation for the 6ft 2in tall proprietor.

ENGINE

3.4-litre, straight-six, double overhead camshaft, 225bhp

CONFIGURATION

Entrance engine, four-speed guide gearbox, rear-wheel drive, separate chassis, wishbone and torsion bar entrance, leaf-sprung dwell axle rear, disc brakes entrance, drums rear