|
For the 1948 motor show a new Lyons
design stole the show and was destined to become one of
the greatest sports cars of all time; the XK 120. This
was no thinly disguised racing machine. It was refined
and had unrivalled comfort for such a car, and to cap it
all, was priced at just £998 (£1,298 with tax). The six
cylinder engine was one of the best designs ever created
and was beautiful to look at as well. The car if
anything was a bit slab sided, and one would encounter
an internal sill upon opening the door as high as the
Hoover Dam!
The car formed the basis of one of the
most exciting post war competition histories and the
model is much sought after and still is a delight to
drive. As usual, the British tin bodywork did no justice
to the car and extensive rusting would become apparent
after a few years. Some of the chromed fittings
were also susceptible to blistering and pitting, having
been cast in some dreadful alloy.
General
Price New $4,039
Production Total
Total XK-120 production
1949-1954 is 12,078 units. That includes 7,631 roadsters, 2,678
fixed-head coupes, and 1,769 drophead coupes.
Technical
Engine
Inline, DOHC, 6 cylinder, cast iron block, aluminium alloy heads
Displacement 210 cubic inch (3442 cc)
Aspiration 2 SU Sidedraft Carburettors
Bore x Stroke 3.27 x 4.17 inches (83 x 106 mm)
Horsepower 160 @ 5000 rpm
Torque 195 lbs-ft @ 2500 rpm
Miscellaneous 7 main bearings, solid cam followers
Curb Weight 2920 lbs (roadster)
Performance
0-60 mph (coupe) 9.9 seconds
Top Speed (coupe) 120 mph
|
|
|
