2026 |
Amelia Island Auctions1950 Jaguar XK120 Alloy Roadster
Register to BidEstimate
$200,000 - $240,000| Without Reserve
Chassis
670087
Engine
W5538-8
Car Highlights
One of Only 184 Left-Hand-Drive, Alloy-Bodied XK120 Roadsters Built
Reportedly Owned by Automotive Legend William F. Harrah
Accompanied by Extensive History File and Period Photographs
Equipped with Numerous Competition-Focused Modifications
An Iconic Postwar Jaguar, Highly Eligible and Usable for Numerous Events Worldwide
Technical Specs
3,442 CC DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Twin SU H8 Sandcast Carburetors
Estimated 170 BHP at 5,000 RPM
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
Front Independent Suspension with Torsion Bars
Rear Live Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
This fascinating, early-production, alloy-bodied XK120 was constructed in January 1950 and delivered through Charles Hornburg in Los Angeles, finished in Gunmetal Grey over a Blue interior. Notes on file purport that its first owner was the legendary collector William F. Harrah. According to a copy of a newspaper clipping, after extensive racing modifications, Harrah entered the car in the Reno Sports Car Races with driver Max Malachowski, who finished 2nd. In 1972, the XK120 was imported to the UK by John Pearson and John Harper, who campaigned it extensively in the ensuing years. It was road registered as “PGY 198L,” earning it the affectionate nickname “Piggy.” In 1974, Jaguar works named Pearson “Driver of the Year” for his competitive efforts in the XK120, making him the first recipient of the newly established award. The Jaguar’s history file also cites numerous vintage races with noted French driver Philippe Renault at the wheel in the mid-1970s.
The file further documents extensive restorative work commissioned by its owner M.J. Ridley in the 1990s. Stuart Jackson, who acquired it in 2017, reimported it to the US in 2019. Today, this exciting and pedigreed XK120 continues to proudly display its competitive past, but with a clear refinement underscored by its gleaming dark green finish and beautifully trimmed tan leather bucket seats. It stands as a perfect event entry sure to provide its next custodian with yet unwritten adventures.


