The first of Jaguar's fabled XK sports car line, the 120 was so named because it could attain 120mph, an unprecedented speed for a production model of its day. Announced at the 1948 London Motor Show, the line was destined to survive until 1961 when the XK150 made way for the sensational E-type.
The 120's powerful performance came courtesy of a 3.4 liter, twin-overhead-camshaft, six cylinder engine, the legendary XK unit, that had been conceived during the war to power the company's new 100mph Mark VII sedan. This, paradoxically, appeared in 1950, after the open two-seater sports car.
In 1951 the XK120 roadster was joined by a drophead coupe version. this was not only stylistically successful but it also had an enhanced interior with walnut veneer replacing the open car's leathercloth-covered instrument panel.
Data and Information on XK120
Engine Location: Front, in-line
Configuration: Six-cylinder
Bore and Stroke: 83 x 106mm
Capacity: 3442cc
Valve operation: Twin overhead camshafts
Horsepower: 160bhp @ 5000 rpm
Transition: Manual, 4 gear
Drive: Rear
Chassis: Box section
Suspension-front: Wishbone and torsion bar
Suspension-rear: Half-elliptic spring
Brakes: Drum
Top Speed: 120mph
Acceleration: 0-60mph:12 seconds
