Jaguar XK120 Open Two Seater

The Jaguar XK120 Open Two Seater is the very first open-body Roadster model in the famous XK120 series.

About Jaguar XK120 Open Two Seater

The car was based on the new XK engine, which leading employees of Jaguar Cars began to develop during the war. Several different designs were created, but the most successful was the XK (the first letter is always X, and the second in alphabetical order, starting with A).

The engine underwent many different tests, both in the dungeons of the factory and later, in everyday life. In the future, it has proven its reliability and quality excellently, especially considering the fact that its production (in various modifications) will last until the 80s.

The body of the Jaguar XK120 Open Two Seater was created on the basis of the prototype "Jaguar Super Sports", which was assembled in February 1948. In the company's official catalogs, the model with this body will be called Super Sports 2-seater, but only until the announcement of the Jaguar XK120 DHC . The model was going to be put into small-scale production, although some sources claim that it was created simply to demonstrate the new engine.

Already in March 1948, the prototype was presented at the Geneva Motor Show. The next show was on October 22 at the Grosvenor Hotel only for special guests, and 5 days later a full announcement took place at Earl's Court Motor Show. The model caused a great stir, for which the company's management was not ready.

The car body was made by hand from aluminum, which greatly hampered the possibility of more mass production. The first 240 cars (the most valuable among collectors) were only available to the smartest and luckiest buyers. In October 1949, the production of pressed steel bodies opened, which made it possible to meet demand.

In 1951, an additional Special Edition model was introduced, which was more powerful (180 hp versus 160) and mainly differed only in engine modifications.

Jaguar XK120 Open Two Seater Overview

Production of the model ended in August 1954. A total of 7,614 Jaguar XK120 Open Two Seater (Roadster) cars were produced, of which: right-hand drive – 1,176, left-hand drive – 6,438. Most were exported.

Jaguar XK120 Open Two Seater Technical Specification

Engine: Six-cylinder engine with two camshafts, 3442 hp. (160 bhp, 5000 rpm), cylinder bore and stroke 83×106 mm, aluminum pistons, crankshaft with 7 bearings, compression ratio 7:1 (8:1), high-quality cast iron block, light alloy connecting rods, cylinder head made of durable aluminum alloy with spherical combustion chambers, forced engine lubrication system with submersible pump and Tecalemit filter, two horizontal SU carburetors with electric throttle.

Transmission: Four-speed, helical, synchronized. Hardy Spicer shaft, 10″ Borg&Beck clutch disc. Gear ratios: 1at – 12.3, 2at – 7.23, 3at – 4.98, top – 3.643.

Suspension: Front suspension - wishbone and torsion bar, independent. Rear transverse springs with Girling PV.7 hydraulic dampers. Telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers.

Control: With screw and ball nut - Burman. The steering wheel is 18 inches.

Roof: Mohair roof retractable into a special compartment behind the seats. Side windows included.

Body: Double aerodynamic body made of aluminum, spacious rear trunk, compartment for tools and spare wheel, adjustable bucket seats, pockets in the door sides.

Dimensions: Wheelbase – 8′ 6″, front track width – 4′ 3″, rear track width – 4′ 2″. Overall length – 14′ 0″, width – 5′ 1″, height – 4′ 2″, ground clearance – 7 1/2″. Weight – 22 1/2 cwt.

Instrument panel: Speedometer 120 mph, fuel gauge with warning light, electric clock, cooling system temperature gauge, rpm gauge, ammeter, oil gauge.

Wheels and Tires: Stamped steel with 6.00x16 Dunlop tires.

Jacking: The jack in the central part (on 2 sides) provides easy lifting of both wheels at once.

Brakes: Girling dual pad hydraulic brakes, Millenite drums with integral vents.

Finish: High-quality leather, felt-lined flooring.

Electrical equipment: Lucas de Luxe 12 volt set, 64 amp battery (10 hour charge support), voltage control system, dual horn, cigarette lighter, ignition timing with centrifugal regulator, headlights and fender lamps, brake lights, windshield wipers, backlight dashboard, starter, heating system is available only as an additional option.

Gasoline Equipment: Two electric SU pumps, 15 gallon gas tank (25 gallon optional).

Colour: Body/Interior: Bronze/Biscuit, Pale Brown; Silver/Red; Cream/Biscuit, Dark Beige; Birch/Biscuit, Red; Pastel Blue Metallic/Light Blue, Dark Blue; Green Suede/Green Suede; Black/Biscuit, Dark Beige; Silver/Light Blue, Dark Blue; Black/Biscuit, Red; Red/Biscuit, Red; Pastel Green Metallic/Green Suede; Cream/Biscuit, Red.

Price: In 1948 - £1263. In 1954 – $3345 for the USA.

Jaguar XK120 Open Two Seater Photogallery