Although it had not been designed with racing in mind, the XK120's competition potential was immediately obvious, not least to the factory, which entered a three-car team in the Daily Express one-hour race for standard production cars at Silverstone in August 1949. The XK's of Leslie Johnson and Peter Walker duly rewarded Jaguar's faith in its new sportscar by finishing first and second respectively, thus setting the scene for an illustrious competition career that would culminate in the development of the legendary C-Type.
This exciting Jaguar XK120 racer was constructed for the Carrera Panamericana, the famous long-distance race that runs the length of Mexico's Pan-American highway from Chiapas in the south to the Texas border. Completed in 1992, the car competed in this demanding race on five occasions between 1992 and 1996, as well as participating in American Vintage Racing events. A left-hand drive model, the car is fitted with a 3.8-litre XK 'six' equipped with dry-sump lubrication, triple SK carburettors, Electro Motive direct ignition system and triple coils, all of which contributes to a maximum power output of 300bhp at 5,500rpm, a excellent figure for this type of engine. Power is transmitted via a manual Borg Warner four-speed gearbox with Hurst shifter. The cross-braced chassis features independent front and rear suspension, Willwood disc brakes and calipers, Diamond alloy racing wheels, twin radiators, twin racing fuel cells and steel braided brake, cooling, fuel and oil lines throughout. The body is constructed of glassfibre and there is a full roll cage and twin racing seats fitted as well as a trip meter, etc. Finished in red with black interior, the car is presented in very good mechanical condition, but would benefit from some cosmetic freshening. Offered without documentation.