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1951 Jaguar XK-120 LT1 Roadster Recreation; The very special Roadster presented here is a faithful recreation of a very famous car that is steeped in rich Jaguar automotive history. In 1951, as William Lyons was preparing Jaguarandrsquo;s upcoming C-Type model for entry at Le Mans, he ordered (3) XK-120 Special Works models as an insurance policy in the event the C-Type would not be ready in time for the upcoming Le Mans race. These 3 cars were the first XK-120s built since the initial production runs of 1949-50, and featured desirable lightweight aluminum coachwork with tweaked lines with cut-down doors, rear sheet metal produced in a single piece, and Brooklands-type aerodynamic windscreens. Named LT1, LT2, and LT3 respectively, the XK-120 Special Works models wound up not racing at Le Mans, as the C-Types were completed just in time for the race. The 3 models were later purchased by U.S. importer Charles Hornburg, leaving LT1 at home in the U.K., where decades later it was shipped off to the U.S. and ultimately placed in a private collection. The XK-120 presented here, is a fantastic recreation of the LT1 model, and was the recipient of an exhaustive and comprehensive restoration by top Jaguar professionals. The roadster remained in the US until September 1989, when it returned to England and began what was a lengthy restoration to its present appearance. Original parts were gathered over a 15-year period, which saw a chassis rebuild by John Wood, whilst Aubrey Finburgh recreated a correct one-piece aluminium body and mounted it on a tubular steel birdcage inner frame. The XK-120 is powered by a proper C-Type-spec engine with cast SU carburettors, while the front brakes are cooled by air scoops. The roadsterandrsquo;s running gear was fully overhauled, its electrical system was rewired, and the original instruments were rebuilt. Additionally, the car was converted to right-hand drive by noted Jaguar restorer Steve Grimsley. Finished in British Racing Green with Sage Green leather interior and registered in the UK as XKJ 470, this Roadster promises the same thrilling, hairy-knuckled ride that was provided to LT1andrsquo;s original caretakers in the early 1950s, and presents a unique opportunity for the Jaguar racing collector seeking a special car for their collection.
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