VIN: the original XK prototype and ex-Prince Bira Jaguar XK120 chassis 660001
History of chassis 660001
Chassis 660001 was the first XK120 built. Like all right-hand drive examples, it carried the ‘66’ chassis prefix whereas left-hand drive derivatives used a ‘67’ prefix.
Jaguar had famously created the XK120 as a show car with which to premier their advanced new 3.4-litre dual overhead camshaft straight six engine. However, 660001 caused such a stir on its debut at the 1948 London Motor Show that Jaguar decided to offer the model to the public.
The first production XK120s began to roll out of Jaguar’s Holbrook Lane factory in Coventry in June 1949. Chassis 660001 (now registered HKV 455) had been used for much of the development work and continued to serve as a test car for the next couple of years.
When the British Racing Drivers’ Club announced a one-hour Production Car Race in support of the first Silverstone International Trophy for Grand Prix cars on August 20th 1949, Jaguar Chairman, Williams Lyons, felt compelled to have a trio of patriotically coloured XK120s attend.
In anticipation of the Silverstone outing, the three XK120s underwent special preparation. Chassis 660001 was repainted Blue (from its original Bronze) and entered for Prince Bira to drive.
The other two cars (chassis 670001 and 670002) were both converted from left to right-hand drive to stop the right-hand rear wheel lifting on right-hand turns. They were entered for Peter Walker and Leslie Johnson respectively.
Despite an early collision with a spinning Jowett Javelin, Leslie Johnson drove the white XK120 to victory. He finished 5.6 seconds ahead of Peter Walker who placed second in the red Jaguar. Third spot went to the Frazer Nash High Speed of Norman Culpan (the only other driver to finish on the lead lap).
Unfortunately, Bira span out of the race in 660001 when a tyre blew.
On September 24th, the three refreshed XK120s made a celebratory ascent of the Shelsley Walsh Hillclimb.
Afterwards, the car returned to its life as a development mule and was also used by Dunlop for tyre tests.
According to factory records, 660001 was subsequently dismantled, perhaps as the result of a crash while on loan to Dunlop. Other sources suggest the chassis may have been used for a prototype FHC.
Notable History
Bronze
27/10-06/11/1948 London Motor Show, Earls Court
Registered HKV 455
Repainted Blue
20/08/1949 IND Silverstone International 1 Hour Production Car Race (B. Bira) DNF (#6)
24/09/1949 IND Shelsley Walsh Hillclimb celebratory appearance
Used for test and development
Later dismantled
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Jaguar Heritage Trust - https://www.jaguarheritage.com/
