1952 - Jaguar XK120 Cabriolet SE - Lot 1

1952 - Jaguar XK120 Cabriolet SE The fastest production car in the world at the time, and the driving force behind the entire XK line. French registration Chassis n°S677906 Engine n°W9494-8S Gearbox n°JL18163 Bodywork n°P1900 - Advantageous cabriolet bodywork and Special Equipment version - Rare example delivered new in France, to the Argentine ambassador - Original body color, engine, cylinder head and gearbox - High-quality full restoration some twenty years ago - Interesting technical upgrades for regular use - Less than 7,000 kms on the odometer, limited number of owners and file The Jaguar XK120 roadster was presented at the London Motor Show in 1948, just two months after the chassis and body had been designed. At that time, in the aftermath of the Second World War, there were few sports cars on the market, and most of those that did exist had been designed before the conflict. So it came as a general surprise when this seemingly wind-blown sports car, powered by a new 160 hp double overhead camshaft engine capable of reaching 120 miles (hence the name), was unveiled. All the more so as its price is very competitive, even though its instrumentation is very complete and the interior is in Connolly leather. Like its price, its performance is also highly competitive, enabling the XK120 to shine in the most prestigious competitions. Initially available as a roadster, the XK120 came in a Fixed Head Coupe (FHC) in 1951, then a Drop Head Coupe (DHC) in 1953, not forgetting the sportier "Special Equipment" version, which could be combined with any of these body styles as early as 1951. This version, featuring a modified cylinder head (called Type C), SU HD8 carburetors, a lightened flywheel, stiffened running gear, wire wheels and long-range lights, developed 180 hp on the XK120. This was replaced by the XK140 in 1954, which in turn gave way to the XK150 in 1957, before the end of the XK generation with the arrival of the E-type in 1961. This rare Jaguar convertible DHC (Drop Head Coupe) was sold new in France by Royal Elysée, Delecroix in 1952 to the Argentine ambassador in Paris. It was one of a total of 61 XK 120s imported into France in all body styles, of which only 20 were SEs! It is featured in the famous book "Jaguar, Sport et Tradition" by Bernard Viart and Michel Cognet, published by E.P.A. It retains its original black body, engine, cylinder head and gearbox. It left the factory with the SE option for "special equipment", or M for "modified" in the USA, i.e. the engine develops 180 hp, 20 hp more than the production model. The chassis was restored some twenty years ago. Improvements to the XK include the adoption of four-piston caliper disc brakes at the front instead of drums, an aluminum fuel tank and a stainless-steel exhaust system. An electric "EZ" steering system was installed two years ago, making maneuvering much easier, but the rare original air filter in front of the radiator and the small side marker lights, typical of the French homologation of the time, have been retained. This pretty Jaguar is sure to attract the attention of true Jaguar enthusiasts.