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We claimed 120 mph (for the XK 120), a speed unheard of for a production car in those days - William Heynes, Chief Engineer, Jaguar Cars. When Jaguar resumed car production in 1945, it dropped its pre-war sports car line to concentrate on saloon manufacture. But at the 1948 Motor Show the firm astonished the public by announcing a new two-seater roadster, the XK120 name reflecting its top speed. The XK120 heralded the arrival of Jaguars famous 3.4-litre twin overhead camshaft XK engine, intended for the Mark VII saloon, then two years away. Its chassis was essentially a shortened version of the simultaneously announced Mark V saloon, with torsion bar independent suspension. The XK120's comfort and roadholding set new standards for British sports cars and, of all the XK series cars, its name alone reflected its top speed. In May 1949, on the Jabbeke to Aeltre autoroute, an example with its hood and sidescreen in place recorded a speed of 126mph and no less than 132mph with the hood and windscreen detached and an under-tray fitted. The car was in almost instant demand and it caught Jaguar by surprise. The first 240 examples retained coachbuilt aluminium bodies before Pressed Steel hulls took over. The open two-seater model was joined by a fixed-head coupé version in 1951 and a drophead coupé followed in 1953. The 120 lasted until 1954 before making way for its XK140 successor. It was to prove the most popular of the series, with 12,078 examples built, and of these 1,175 were right-hand drive roadsters like that offered here. An exceptionally original car preserved in unrestored condition, 660376 has enjoyed only four owners and is believed to have covered only 24,000-or-so miles from new. In the vendors possession for the past ten years, the XK comes with its original hardtop and soft-top, and is fitted with steel wheels and spats. The chassis is described as in very good order and the body as solid and generally good, while the engine is complete. A quantity of new parts (water hoses and assorted gaskets) is included in the sale together with a complete (later) spare engine. Offered with old-style logbook, expired MoT (1963) and Swansea V5, this time warp XK120 is an excellent candidate for sympathetic restoration.
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Buyers' Obligations
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Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge what is known as a Buyer's Premium. Buyer's Premium on all Automobilia lots will adhere to Bonhams group policy:
25% up to £50,000 of hammer price, 20% from £50,001 to £1,000,000 of hammer price, and 12% on the balance thereafter. This applies to each lot purchased and is subject to VAT.
For Motor Cars and Motorcycles a 15% Buyer's Premium is payable on the first £50,000 of the final Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on any amount by which the Hammer Price exceeds £50,000. VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Some lots may be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price. These lots will be clearly marked with the relevant symbol printed beside the lot number in the catalogue.
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