Jaguar XK120 Roadster Nostalgia Replica

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Conceived and developed in a matter of months, Jaguar’s XK120 was unveiled at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show. Powered by the 160bhp, twin overhead cam 3.4-litre six-cylinder XK engine, it was, at the time, the world’s fastest production car.

Demand for the William Lyons-designed car far exceeded Jaguar’s expectations and the bespoke alloy body coachwork needed to be re-worked in steel if production was ever to meet demand. The XK120 set new standards of comfort, road holding and performance for a British sports car and yet (as has become a Jaguar tradition) cost considerably less than its rivals.

In all, three versions of the XK came into being (coupe, drophead and roadster), but whichever one chooses, their 120mph performance never ceases to astonish, nor their lines fail to excite.

Since XK production ceased (and in no small part due to their values now rising well into six figures), various modern manufacturers have produced well-engineered but affordable replicas of this sublime Fifties sportstcar.

Taunton-based Nostalgia Cars was started in 1998, its founders having considerable coachbuilding experience. Specialising in iconic Jaguars, including the Le Mans C-Type and XK 120 and 140, the company produces well-proportioned, composite-bodied replicas based (fittingly) on modern Jaguar XJ6 or AJ6 3.6-litre components.

This 2009-built XK120 replica has only covered 1100 miles since build. The as-new red coachwork and flowing William Lyons lines conceal a host of modern features which make piloting this ‘XK’ a far easier task, equipped as it is with a 4.2-litre engine and automatic transmission. Running on modern mechanicals, the car naturally has disc brakes all round which are somewhat more reassuring than the originals.

The interior is beautifully executed in cream leather with a nicely figured burr walnut dash and modern seat belts. A full set of weather gear is also present. The car is reportedly in excellent condition and has an MOT valid until March 2015. These are quality replicas and we are informed that to order a new one from Nostalgia would cost in excess of £70,000 - making this one something of a bargain.

AMENDMENT: Please note the private plate shown is not included but is available by separate negotiation if desired (£1,000).