Image of 1949 Jaguar Xk120, sourced from www.goodingco.com , Image Link.

Unveiling the Elegance of the 1949 Jaguar XK120

With a silhouette that could stir the soul, the 1949 Jaguar XK120 emerged as an emblem of post-war automotive exuberance. Birthed by the illustrious British manufacturer Jaguar Cars, this vehicle not only marked a revival of sports car manufacturing but also set a new standard in both beauty and performance. The XK120 was a marvel that captured the zeitgeist of its era, marrying luxury with power in a way few had seen before. It was this very model that would lay down the blueprint for Jaguar's future sports cars, making it a pivotal piece in automotive history.

Design and Innovation

The XK120's exterior was a masterclass in design, boasting sweeping lines that hugged its long bonnet and flowed back to a short rear deck. Its teardrop-shaped headlights and elegant grille were more than just aesthetically pleasing; they were aerodynamic innovations that hinted at the car's speed capabilities. Inside, occupants were treated to an opulent cabin lined with fine leather and polished wood—a testament to Jaguar's commitment to craftsmanship. Technologically, it was ahead of its time with features like independent torsion bar front suspension and rack and pinion steering. While color options ranged from stately silvers to rich blues, it was perhaps the gleaming British Racing Green that became most synonymous with the XK120. The roadster body style is particularly iconic, though fixed-head coupes and drophead coupes were also available.

Historical Significance

The XK120 wasn't just another car; it was a harbinger of modern automotive design. Its sleek profile and powerful 3.4-liter straight-six engine set it apart from contemporaries, influencing generations of sports cars to come. The XK120's moniker itself derived from its top speed—120 mph—making it the fastest production car in the world at its release.

Performance and Handling

On the road, the XK120 was nothing short of exhilarating. It could rocket from 0-60 mph in less than 10 seconds—a remarkable feat for its time—and drivers reveled in its top speed of 120 mph. The handling was responsive, allowing for an engaging driving experience as one navigated through winding roads or accelerated on straightaways. The symphony of its engine was pure auditory bliss for motoring enthusiasts.

Ownership Experience

The XK120 found its place in various roles: as a stylish daily driver, a weekend showpiece, or even a formidable competitor on the racing circuit. Owners found maintenance relatively straightforward for such an advanced vehicle, though sourcing parts today can be a challenge. Reliability was commendable for its era, but like any classic car, regular upkeep is key to preservation.

Fun Facts

This Jaguar has graced many collections and has been owned by celebrities throughout its storied life. It has set records in speed trials and has been a staple at historic racing events. Despite critiques about limited cabin space and comfort over long distances, the XK120 remains an icon.

Collector's Information

Today, an original 1949 Jaguar XK120 can fetch anywhere from $100,000 to well over $150,000 depending on condition and provenance. Approximately 12,000 units were produced during its run from 1948-1954, making it relatively rare but not unattainable for serious collectors. As with many classics of this caliber, values have generally appreciated over time.

Conclusion

The 1949 Jaguar XK120 is more than just a classic car; it's a rolling sculpture that encapsulates the optimism of its age while continuing to inspire awe today. Its combination of stunning looks, groundbreaking performance, and historical significance ensures that it will remain a coveted piece among collectors for generations to come.

1949 Jaguar XK120 Accelerator Pedal Pad. 1-9/16" X 6-3/4", Each-AP 14Accelerator Pedal Pad. 1-9/16" X 6-3/4", Each

1949 Jaguar XK120 Rear Bumper Extension Tube Grommet. 3" O.D., 1-9/16" I.D-BG 105Rear Bumper Extension Tube Grommet. 3" O.D., 1-9/16" I.D. Each

1949 Jaguar XK120 Upper Ball Joint Tie Rod Boot. 1-1/8" bottom I.D-BN 101Upper Ball Joint Tie Rod Boot. 1-1/8" bottom I.D., 1/2" top I.D. Each

1949 Jaguar XK120 Upper and Lower Ball Joint Boot. 5/8" upper I.D-BN 101-AUpper and Lower Ball Joint Boot. 5/8" upper I.D., 1-1/2" bottom I.D., 7/8" high. Each

1949 Jaguar XK120 Roll Bar Bushing. 1/2" high, with 1/2" hole. Each-BN 2Roll Bar Bushing. 1/2" high, with 1/2" hole. Each

1949 Jaguar XK120 Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 1-1/2" wide X 5-1/2" long-CB 11Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 1-1/2" wide X 5-1/2" long. Pair

1949 Jaguar XK120 Headlight Ring Seal. 8-1/4" O.D., 6-3/4" I.D. Pair-HR 2Headlight Ring Seal. 8-1/4" O.D., 6-3/4" I.D. Pair

1949 Jaguar XK120 Door Side and Trunk Seal. Sponge Rubber. Sold by the foot-LP 40-BDoor Side and Trunk Seal. Sponge Rubber. Sold by the foot

1949 Jaguar XK120 Tail-light Pads. 4-3/4" wide X 7-1/4" long. Pair R&L-MP 799-CTail-light Pads. 4-3/4" wide X 7-1/4" long. Pair R&L

1949 Jaguar XK120 Trunk Handle Pad. 1-1/2" wide X 2-5/8" long. Each-MP 799-DTrunk Handle Pad. 1-1/2" wide X 2-5/8" long. Each

1949 Jaguar XK120 Bumper Bolt Pad. 1-3/4" O.D. Each-MP 799-KBumper Bolt Pad. 1-3/4" O.D. Each

1949 Jaguar XK120 Windshield Post Pad. 2-7/8" long. Each-MP 799-OWindshield Post Pad. 2-7/8" long. Each

1949 Jaguar XK120 Park Light Pads. 2" wide X 9-3/8" long. Pair-MP 799-PPark Light Pads. 2" wide X 9-3/8" long. Pair

1949 Jaguar XK120 Door Handle Pads. For Fixed-Head Coupe-MP 799-UDoor Handle Pads. For Fixed-Head Coupe. 1-3/8" wide X 2-1/8" long. Pair

1949 Jaguar XK120 Spark plug wire boot. Exclusive Metro part-RP 1-KSpark plug wire boot. Exclusive Metro part. Fits on the distributor cap end. Note: looks similar to coil boot, but is physically smaller. Replaces OEM# CO 2609. Each.

1949 Jaguar XK120 Jack Holder. Used to keep jack from rattling-RP 90-AJack Holder. Used to keep jack from rattling. Fits 1-1/2" hole. 1-1/4" I.D. Each

1949 Jaguar XK120 Spark Plug Wire Holder Insulation. Each-SM 30-JSpark Plug Wire Holder Insulation. Each

1949 Jaguar XK120 Rear Axle Bumper. 4-1/2" long, 1-1/2" wide, 2" high. Each-XB 21-ARear Axle Bumper. 4-1/2" long, 1-1/2" wide, 2" high. Each

1949 Jaguar XK120 Front Suspension Bumper-XB 21-BFront Suspension Bumper. Overall length is 3-1/4" X 1-1/2" wide. Each