1951 Jaguar XK120 Roadster - 3.4L, 4-Speed. Estimate $100,000 - $125,000. Photo by David Newhardt, Courtesy of Mecum Auctions

The Jaguar XK120 emerged from a war torn but victorious Britain at the Earl's Court Motor Show in 1948. The showcase sports car was a dream machine, and the first to feature what would become one of the most legendary engines ever made. The new 3.4L XK6 engine made 160 HP without taxing itself or its design, which included dual overhead camshafts, an aluminum hemispherical cylinder head and twin SU carburetors. The unmatched combination style and performance of the XK120 was an instant success for Jaguar, which ramped up production to meet overwhelming demand with an all steel body for 1951.

The majority of XK120 cars were exported to America, and this 1951 XK120 Roadster is one of just 12,000 cars built during the 1949-54 XK120 production run. The iconic 6-cylinder engine was overhauled in 2010 for a return to factory specification and famously smooth power delivery. The engine looks the part, with the polished valve cover a fitting presentation of its engineering. With a 4-speed transmission driving the rear wheels and a curb weight of just over 2800 pounds, the factory specifications are impressive. Jaguar boasted a top speed of 120 MPH for the car, which lent the XK120 its numerical designation.

The interior of the this XK120 was refinished at extensive cost and expertise, with new Black leather upholstery over the seats and dash surrounds meeting up with fresh carpeting on the floor for a classic interior experience to match proven sporting ability. The durable steel wheels were finished in Silver, with wheel covers polished to a shine consistent with the sparse but beautiful chrome trim, bumpers, and front mounted fender mirrors. The car equipped with a convertible soft top and functional windshield wipers in case of unexpected precipitation. 

Mecum Monterey 2015