Jaguar XK 120 – Last XK120 SCCA Racer

Update: The Jaguar will come with a significant amount of important, valuable, spares, including the complete original wire wheels and knock off hubs set up, original gearbox, original radiator, original rear end, spare gears, etc. These can be used to return the car to street use if desired. The car would need headlights, headlight wires, marker lights, and a horn. Also included are spare race wheels, new race tires, and more. Contact us for more details and photos.

Jaguar Magazine has documented this Jaguar XK 120 as the last Jaguar XK to race in SCCA National competition. The Jaguar has been racing in the U.S. since at least the 1970’s, and comes with SCCA log books dating back through the late 1970’s and into the 1980’s with Tony Barbetto driving.

The Jaguar is powered by an early 3.8 engine with triple SU carburetors. The engine, built for longevity, produces approximately 325 h.p. and has six races on it. The engine should be good for at least two more full seasons of racing before a refresh. 

The engine is also equipped with a high torque mini starter and racing alternator. The battery is a single, 12 volt, Optima Red Top, and has been moved to the passenger side for better balance. The 3.8 is cooled by an aluminum radiator. 

The XK120 has a brand new, factory original, Jaguar overdrive gearbox (a $6,000 bonus). A new, six puck, clutch was also installed along with a flat, carbon-faced, throwout bearing, new driveshaft and universal joints. The original gearbox and drive shaft will also come with the car. 

The Jaguar has MK.9 disc brakes all around, which was a period correct update.  The car also has a very stout competition roll cage, as opposed to a simple roll bar. This provides not only superior rollover protection, but also side intrusion protection. It also helps stiffen the chassis, increasing its performance capabilities.

A Tilton pedal assembly has also been installed. It is adjustable for facilitate heel & toe driving. The assembly can also be moved forward, and the roll bar cross bar removed, to accommodate taller drivers

This XK 120 is very quick. It has two 2nd places, and one 3rd place, finish at recent Lime Rock Vintage Fall Festivals. It also achieved a 2nd and a 3rd at Watkins Glen. These results were accomplished in just the five races it was run in with its current owner. The XK 120 has also run laps in the one minute, five second, range at Lime Rock, which is really quick for a car in this class.

The Jaguar was most recently run at Lime Rock in a test session at the end of August, 2019. It remains ready to go, subject to the seat belt dates being checked. New foam was also recently installed in the fuel cell.

This is an historic Jaguar XK 120, the last XK 120 Jaguar to race in national level competition. As such, it really bookends the remarkable achievements of the XK120 model. The XK 120 is reported as the fastest production car ever constructed when it ran 132.5 mph through the flying mile test in Belgium in 1949. The XK 120 was also the first production car to average over 100 mph for 24 hours (107 mph), including stops, at the Autodrome de Montlhéry in France, driven by Stirling Moss and Leslie Johnson. Moss would later lead a 1-2-3 Jaguar XK 120 sweep of the podium at the Tourist Trophy Race. Phil HIll and Don Parkinson finished 1-2 in their Jaguar XK 120’s at the inaugural Pebble Beach Road Race. There were only 6,436 left hand drive OTS XK 120’s built.

To review an excellent article on Jaguar XK120 history, values, etc., please see Sports Car Digest’s October 24, 2020, article Jaguar XK 120 – Worlds Fastest Production Car of the Early 50s.

The owner is very motivated to sell. So this is a good time to get a really great deal on an historic Jaguar racing car. Please contact us and we will help you get it.

(c) 1996-2021, Motorsports Market. All Rights Reserved.