280 - Jaguar

Jaguar XK 120 OTS (open two-seater), 1950 Delivered by Max Hoffman in New York. Gasoline, 20 CV, 6-cylinder. Manual transmission. Chassis No. “670814,” engine “W2182-8,” transmission “JH4377,” body “F2040.” Gray exterior and blue interior. Vehicle in excellent condition and restoration. Minor signs of oxidation are present. Exhibition: “The Matra Museum, English Style,” April 8–November 12, 2023, Romorantin, Matra Museum Automotive Gallery. Provenance: - Jaguar dealership Hoffman Auto Showroom, New York, 1950; - unknown owners; - vehicle acquired in England from Leapings Cats, managed by John Sherrit Brown, in 2011 by its current owner; - Sologne collection. Attached documents: - vehicle registration; - Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate; - appraisal certificate dated October 27, 2023; - vehicle inspection report dated May 25, 2025. Unveiled in London in 1948, the Jaguar XK 120 caused a sensation. It became the world’s fastest production car, its very name proclaiming its top speed of 120 miles per hour. Its bodywork encases a roadster powered by the new 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine. Producing 160 chevaux, it marked the beginning of an engine lineage that would power the brand’s models for nearly forty years. As early as 1950, the Jaguar XK 120 made a remarkable debut on the endurance racing scene by competing, as a privateer, in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Three barely modified cars were entered: they finished 12th and 15th, respectively, while the third team was forced to retire due to a mechanical failure. This performance convinced Jaguar of the model’s potential, laying the groundwork for the development of the Type-C, which would go on to win in 1951 and again in 1953.