77 Years Ago, the Jaguar XK 120 Caused a Sensation
- Published on 27/10/2025 11:38
- Modified on 27/10/2025 11:39
On October 27, 1948, the London Motor Show opened its doors and a car made history there: the Jaguar XK 120.
Presented as a prototype intended to showcase Jaguar’s new XK6 engine, the XK 120 quickly captured the attention of the public and journalists. Its sleek silhouette, double overhead cam engine, and exceptional performance made it the undisputed star of the show.
The name XK 120 referred to its top speed of 120 mph (193 km/h), making it the fastest production car in the world at the time. To highlight this performance, an XK 120 even reached 126 mph (202.7 km/h) during a test drive in Jabbeke, Belgium. This achievement boosted the reputation of the car and the Jaguar brand.
The XK 120, a star of an era
The XK 120 was produced between 1948 and 1954, with a total of 12,055 units manufactured. It was available in three versions: roadster (Open Two Seater), fixed-head coupe (Fixed Head Coupé), and cabriolet (Drop Head Coupé). Its refined design, interior comfort, and performance made it a coveted car, especially among celebrities like Clark Gable and Ingrid Bergman.
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Today, the Jaguar XK 120 is an iconic model in British automotive history. It embodies Jaguar’s spirit of innovation and performance, and remains a symbol of post-war design and engineering. On October 27, 1948, at the London Motor Show, the XK 120 not only made a lasting impression but also launched Jaguar’s career as a renowned sports car manufacturer.
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This page is translated from the original post "Il y a 77 ans, la Jaguar XK 120 faisait sensation" in French.
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