
The XK120 began life as a testbed and show car for a new engine, and Lyons only put it into production after the crowd reaction.
Lead trim: 3.4 XK (160 bhp) · up to 180 hp
Jaguar XK1201948–1954
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- 0sets it belongs to
Nobody in Burbles has spotted a Jaguar XK120 yet. See one on the street, point the app at it, and the first card is yours — with your @handle permanently credited on this page.
FactThe XK120 began life as a testbed and show car for a new engine, and Lyons only put it into production after the crowd reaction.
Jaguar's first sports car since the SS 100, launched in open two-seater form at the 1948 London Motor Show as a testbed and show car for the new dual-overhead-cam XK engine designed by William Heynes. The sensation it caused persuaded William Lyons to put it into production; it was the fastest production car in the world in its time and became the XK140 and XK150. 12,055 were made.
Collectors Spotted in the Jaguar XK120 Lineage
No member has published a public street spot of the Jaguar XK120 yet — the First · Worldwide stamp is wide open.
Trims & Figures
2 published trims in the catalogue. A blank is a figure not recorded, not zero.
| Trim | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–60 | Drive | Gearbox | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4 SE / "M" (180 bhp) | 1951–1954 | 3.4 L Inline-6 | 180 hp | 203 lb-ft | 8.7 s | RWD | manual | — |
| 3.4 XK (160 bhp) | 1948–1954 | 3.4 L Inline-6 | 160 hp | 195 lb-ft | 10.0 s | RWD | manual | — |
Owning one
We don’t estimate running costs for a car like this. What it costs depends on its condition, its specialist and how it is driven, and an average would mislead.
Owners’ builds
Nobody has claimed one yet.
Photographs
Rivals
Same body, same money, other badges — tap any card to flip.

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