Jaguar XK120 History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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Model history available. Detailed year guides are not published for this model.
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Unveiled at the 1948 London Motor Show, the XK120 was named for its 120-mph top speed — making it the fastest standard production car in the world at launch. It introduced the 3.4-litre XK twin-overhead-cam straight-six, an engine so good it powered Jaguars in various forms into the 1990s.
Initially intended as a low-volume showcase, demand was so strong that Jaguar switched from aluminium to steel bodies for series production. It established Jaguar as a serious sports-car maker and seeded the C-Type and D-Type racers.
Body styles
- Roadster (OTS)
- Fixed-head coupe
- Drophead coupe
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