One to Buy: ex-Carl Llewelyn Preservation Class 1952 Jaguar XK120 OTS Roadster
/
When Jaguar displayed the XK120 prototype at the London Motor Show in October 1948, it did so with little expectation of sending the model into production. However, even in the gloom of post-war Britain, the XK caused sufficient interest to become a nailed on success while, in the United States, buyers couldn’t get their hands on the new 120mph machine fast enough.
In addition to the original Open Two-seat Roadster (OTS), Jaguar went on to further broaden the XK’s appeal by offering Fixed Head and Drop Head Coupes (FHC and DHC). A wide range of optional extras enabled customers to personalise an XK120 to their exact taste and potentially add even more performance thanks to upgrades like the Special Equipment package and C-type head.
With even the youngest XK120s now more than 70 years old, very few survive with their original paint and upholstery. On July 25th though, just such a car will be going under the hammer during Iconic Auctioneers’ BRDC Classic sale taking place at Silverstone.
An OTS Roadster dispatched on June 17th 1952 to Jaguar’s US distributor, Hoffman’s in New York, chassis 672314 was configured in the handsome combination of Lavender Grey with Suede Green leather. The car was purchased by Second World War fighter pilot, Carl Llewelyn in Maryland, with whom it remained for more than four decades until his passing aged 94.
According to Iconic Auctioneers: “Following its time in America, the car passed through the respected Byrnes Motor Trust before being acquired by its current custodian. Recognising the significance of such an original survivor, the decision was made not to undertake a cosmetic restoration, but instead to preserve the car’s remarkable authenticity. The result is a motor car that remains highly evocative of its original specification and presentation.”
“Most significantly, the car retains its original paintwork and original leather upholstery, an almost unheard-of distinction among XK120s more than seven decades after production. Beneath the surface, considerable expenditure has ensured the car is equally impressive mechanically. Accompanying documentation confirms that some £50,000 has been invested in expert restoration and recommissioning works in the current ownership. The engine and gearbox were recommissioned by Knight Engineering, while the chassis, suspension and running gear were comprehensively restored and detailed to a high standard. The only major component replaced was the original steel fuel tank, which had deteriorated with age and was replaced with a correct replacement aluminium unit.”
Today, this wonderful XK120 retains all of its matching numbers components as confirmed by the accompanying Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate and original registration documentation. In addition to its original State of Maryland title, the car is offered with a UK V5C registration document and a substantial history file detailing its ownership, preservation and mechanical restoration.
