Registration No: 687 UXR
Chassis No: 680432
MOT: Exempt

• Prepared for use on historic rallies and tours
• Fitted with a 4.2 Litre engine and 4-speed all-synchro gearbox
• Delivered new to North America
• Disc brakes all round, Aluminum radiator and Tilton pedal box

PLEASE NOTE: This lot has had a small under-bonnet fire while at the auction venue.

It is true to say that the phenomenal success of the XK120 was completely unexpected by Sir William Lyons and his team, whose post-war focus was the MKVII Saloon. However, as that car and its XK engine neared completion in 1948, it occurred to Lyons that a sports car powered by the stunning new DOHC unit would probably outperform almost anything else in production at the time. The extraordinary decision was therefore made to design and build an XK-powered two-seater in time for display at the Earls Court Motor Show of October 27^th - an apparently impossible task in the time available. However, within a few days of the Bronze show car going on display, it was evident that a complete rethink was required - such was the euphoria with which the XK120 was greeted.

For many the best looking XK120 variant, the Fixed Head Coupe was introduced in July 1951. A true design classic that was primarily targeted at the American market, some 2,485 of the 2,680 examples made were to left-hand drive specification. One such car, chassis 680432, was converted to right-hand drive upon its return to the UK and uprated for use on historic rallies and tours. Powered by a larger, more potent 4.2 litre XK DOHC engine (in place of the factory 3.4 litre unit) mated to a later all-synchromesh four-speed manual gearbox, ‘687 UXR’ also benefits from overdrive (albeit the latter Is not currently operational). The steering, brakes and suspension have all been enhanced too. Sourced from a younger XK150 model, the rack and pinion set-up is notably more precise than the original steering box, while four-wheel disc brakes provide superior stopping power. A stiffer anti-roll bar and Koni shock absorbers have similarly sharpened the handling. Sporting a Le Mans-style fuel filler cap, louvered bonnet and twin driving lamps to the exterior and a fire extinguisher, Tilton pedal box and bucket seats to the interior, the Jaguar has been in the current ownership since 2012. Cooled by an aluminium radiator and fitted with Rob Beere performance camshafts, the straight-six engine has been further improved by the seller. The cylinder head has been gas flowed and treated to new valves and valve springs. The twin 2-inch SU carburettors have been overhauled and a higher capacity water pump with larger impeller added plus a new high pressure oil pump. Offered with an original owner’s handbook, collection of invoices and current V5C document.

For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760