Jaguar XK120: Taking Driving To Another Level

[@Anatoli50]

I owned and drove a 1953 XK 120 Fixed Head Coupe similar to our featured car for 45 years. Drawn by Sir William Lyons, the evocative shape was the pinnacle of early post war design. The science of ergonomics was not yet on the horizon. Shorter, smaller drivers fit in the described space better. Nevertheless, at 6’1” I was able to drive mine on several thousand mile trips. The large steering wheel taken from the Mark VII saloon made turning the car significantly easier. The operable vent flaps and opening rear quarter windows were very helpful in removing excess heat created by the big twin cam six. The installation of radial tires made the car very difficult to turn in low speed maneuvers. The frame was similarly a shortened version of the big saloon car’s frame incorporating torsion bar springing for the front end. This frame was remarkably stiff compared to contemporary sports cars and greatly helped with high speed stability. I saw 130 mph in mine many times with a modified engine. The narrow drum brakes were wholly inadequate for the high speeds the car was capable of. Braking from speed was more like a smoky reentry sans parachute. Downshifting helped, if you knew how to double clutch and gear match. Owners who raced specified wire wheels with no spats for maximum cooling. Overheating in traffic was a constant concern due to the small size of the front grill opening. Later 140 and 150 variants all featured bigger grills for this reason. The 3.4 liter DOHC six powering the 120 was designed during firewatch sessions during the London Blitz, and was to last in some form for over 40 production years and was the basis for many of Jaguar’s Le Mans triumphs. In production form it was smooth, torquey, long lived, and a joy to operate. Compared to the more popular Open Type Sports ( OTS), the FHC was far more luxurious, featuring rollup windows and a handsome burled wood dashboard. Importantly, the FHC was faster in top speed due to better aerodynamics, despite weighing a bit more. I owned a 1953 Mark VII saloon at the same time, and the two models shared much underneath the bodywork.

[@christinemusselman5499]

Have to say I love XKA140s but this XK120 is breathtaking!

[@christinemusselman5499]

XK140 not XKA140.

[@danielkeel9265]

Thank you for saying "Jaguar" correctly. Got my like right there.

[@AudrainMuseumNetwork]

THREE syllables!

[@dougcargill6730]

The 120 is one of the most beautiful cars to come from the British Isles. My uncle had one and it was a blast.

[@RD2564]

I had never heard of Nick Begovich until this video. Hughes aircraft, Cal State Fullerton benefactor, smart guy, good man, great life. Nice video, Donald.

[@johnboydTx]

Jaguars styling one of the best mass produced cars Normally custom coach work is the only option Thank you sir

[@oldoriginalbiker843]

John Boyd; I the strictest of terms, the XK120 was NOT "mass produced", but "hand built" AND was, indeed a "Coach Built" car!! The first XK120's ("The Alloy's", about 200 of them), the aluminum bodies had wood frames. On the later "steel bodied" XK120's, the doors and boot lids were "Coach Built" Aluminum over wood frames. They also had aluminum Bonnets, but NO wood framing. The introduction of the XK140's were, technically, the first "non-coach built" XK's. Charles

[@johnboydTx]

@@oldoriginalbiker843 Fair enough The same wood bucks were used in same shop. Not a motor and. Frame sent out to different builders for their interpretation Like rolls. Duesenberg bugatti Packard and others but i agree they were hand built works of ART

[@orsonwelles5549]

Can't beat the lines of the XK120, I actually prefer the 120 to the XKE, thanks for the great video! Would love to see you do a video on the Austin Healey 100/4, I think you'd love it, would that be possible?

[@johnboydTx]

I agree such styling

[@andynixon2820]

I used to work on jaguars of this era restoring the interiors - they are very special cars and drive beautifully .

[@JOHNBEA]

Excellent Donald - both the car as well as the presentation.

[@writerconsidered]

Gorgeous art. 50s and 60s European cars are some of the most beautiful cars ever made. I love curves. Thank you Mr' Osborne.

[@francoismontresmecaniques7082]

Great video. Thank you again for sharing Mr.Osborne and to the Audrain Museum. Amond all the XK the 120 coupe is to me the most aesthetically appealing, I love it ! (even more than an E type) It's interesting that you mention french coachwork, I always saw a ressemblance here but not to Delahaye and Delage (Although some Talbot Lago by Saoutchik coachwork could be very well mentionned), but to the Bugatti Atalante. Especially with the full wheel cap and the rear whell cover, there is a bit of a ressemblance, but more english (rounder, not so geometric imho). Just my 2 cents

[@moparedtn]

Donald doing his usual impeccable presentation as always. We surely are living in the heyday of auto visual journalism.

[@DWS1435]

Love Jaguars especially the XK150 coupe. Beautiful vehicles! Thanks Donald.

[@peterbonnez]

Lovely. I grew up with a 120 and Mk VIII in the family.

[@Patrick_B687-3]

Absolutely gorgeous and exquisite looking car. What a design and pleasure to the eyes.

[@generatorjohn4537]

I love Jaguar coupes. This car is so classic. Thanks for the vid!

[@michaelreilly1310esq]

Gorgeous car beautifully explained and presented

[@oldoriginalbiker843]

Donald; I love watching you on Jay Leno's show.. As to the XK120, as you well know, the FHC (FixedHead Coupe) was the second of the three XK120 variants.. the first being, of course, the XK120 OTS (Open Two Seater, also called "Other Than Saloon").. In my case, and as a (then) "poor starving college student", I purchased from the first owner, a 1953 XK120 DHC (DropHead Coupe) in May 1967. The XK120 DropHead was ONLY built for eighteen months. In the first years of my ownership, I made several "One Hundred Mile Per Hour Average" drives that covered a minimum distance of at least 100 miles, one drive was right at 300 miles (Houston to Ft. Worth!) in three hours flat! A VERY dependable vehicle, to say the least!! This DHC was my "Daily Driver" until mid-1975 when I decided to repaint the Jag.. Well, forty-five years of "life getting in the way", AND totally disassembling the XK120 down to bare frame, I am now (finally) in the "reassembly stage" of the Full "Frame-Up" Restoration (using ONLY OEM and NOS Parts!). My "plan", once the XK120DHC is again "roadworthy", is to "drive the wheels off the DropHead" before I shuck my mortal coil ;-} Thanks for a great article and showcasing the rare AND iconic Jaguar (pronounced Jag-U-Are) XK120. Charles

[@gf4353]

JAGS are so swoopy.

[@JAG312]

Since that XK120 was b\originally bought in Los Angeles, then it was bought from Hornburg Motors. My first car was a 1954 Jaguar XK120 OTS (or roadster). I still have it. It is sitting in the garage next to my Ferrari. When I bought it, I was told that the original owner was Charles Hornburg. My response, "Oh, that's nice." My car was originally black with black wire wheels and a red interior. Although not original, the brake drums were painted red to match the interior and contrast to the wire wheels. I was talking to Phil Hill some years ago, and I asked if he remembered if Hornburg did in fact have a car that fit my description. Phil's response. "Yes, I do seem to remember him (Charles Hornburg) driving a car like that.

[@daleolson3506]

That paint job is just wow👍

[@cackhandedwally7981]

I was surprised by the suggestion of a “repaint” because I thought the paint was original save for a few touch-ups. Indeed, a dozen or so years ago, seeking an exact match to the original BRG, my restorer (and Nick’s close friend) took the fuel lid off this very car, which was more than a bit dusty, polished it to a mirror finish, matched the color for use on my roadster project, and replaced the fuel lid. Nick then observed, “well, now you’ve got to clean and polish the rest of the car to match.” Nick’s many friends can’t help but smile when thinking of him.

[@marial8235]

This is my favorite car. I would like the spats and a lighter interior, but the shape is perfect.

[@Schizz_Popinov]

Love British cars of this era. Just enough chrome to accentuate the sleek lines but not gaudy like 1950's American cars.

[@bhunts4]

Can't wait to see you driving a Ferrari

[@shackcf]

Was able to drive an XK150 Coupe back in 1970 while working for an Import dealer in Milton Mass. It was a used car traded for a Citroen DS21. Yes I was a factory trained technician for Citroen. The Jag was fun to drive but had a 2nd gear syncro problem. Thanks for the video.

[@QwikAdDotCom]

I don't believe I've seen this car before. What a beautiful masterpiece!

[@barenekid9695]

Owned My 1953 XK120 MC fixed head Coupe for 15 years.. It was a 96 point car by the way :-) I loved the look of it .. Only reason why I kept it. But in ALL honesty/objectivity.. it was actually a fairly Shitty car to drive. Sitting pretty well Flat on the floor with oddly pivoted pedals made it erm '' Uncomfortable' . as a charitable descriptor. Only a masochist could endure a long stay in the thing. After a 1/2 or 3/4 hour I had to get out and revive my aching legs. Yess the power ~220hp the Factory claimed (likely less in real life as Jaguars was know for hyperbole) was decent, but largely unusable given: the Steering.. Non existent brake (instant and fatal brake fade) and the totally unrestrained rear Axle .. which self steered the car during cornering at anything approaching spirited driving. Steering was heavy-ish and not overly precise. Ride was a bit bouncy.. reinforcing it's pre war feel. Made driving it 'interesting' to say the least. Visibility was mediocre. Interior was impressive in a Edwardian way though best part of the car imo. Still like the looks.. but Frankly happy to not own it anymore..

[@DSC800]

Donald could talk about the history and driving experience of a Ford Pinto and I would desire one. I hope I can make it to the Audrain Museum some day.

[@johndavey72]

I restored a 140 fhc some years back but for me as you say Donald the ots is pretty but the 120 fhc is in it's purist form . Lovely. And Donald you've mastered Jagyouar so why call it a coop. It's coo pay ! 😂😂 l think everyone in America says coop. The British say coo pay old boy ! The rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain ! 😂😂 Thanks Donald .

[@donaldosborne9565]

And there is nothing like driving around Hartford, Hereford and Hampshire... :-)

[@RoyCousins]

It's remarkable to think that, before these cars were built, Jaguar didn't even have an engineering department. Earlier cars were Jaguar bodies with Standard Motor Company drivelines. The XK 6-cylinder was their first production engine!

[@oldoriginalbiker843]

Roy Cousins. In addition to the first "XK" Six Cylinder Engines, Jaguar built the same DOHC engine (an "XF", if I recall correctly) in a Four Cylinder version.. It did NOT go into production! Charles

[@michaelwelschmidt9338]

I love classic cars.

[@bobby4277]

David has faultless taste. A Mk 7 is the perfect bookend for this beauty.

[@danam0228]

I love how it is so original

[@jameshutchins3396]

What a beauty. I love shape and flow. This car has it in spades

[@graycav56]

Gorgeous. Simply gorgeous.

[@thomasgeorgecastleberry6918]

The man behind the bow-tie, hit a home-run. British cars well known for falling apart (I owned a 1963 MG once). Does Jay know your "moonlighting?" You forgot to honk the horn, what does it sound like? Plenty of commercials.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Excellent my friend....Just excellent...Thank you very much....!

[@Retroscoop]

The two seats are very close to each other, for those who love rubbing shoulders with others, THIS is the car you always wanted to have... Excellent idea, that smaller steering wheel, the original one demaned a certain percentage of death wish from the driver.

[@UJCCars]

Love XK there just great cars to drive wonderful video

[@newbachelor566]

Coupé....koo-pay.... not COOP. Those are for chickens.

[@donaldosborne9565]

Of course you're right- but what lucky chickens these are! :-)

[@LetsGoAlready]

Beautiful car

[@steves4639]

that is a stunner...and any car with a green interior gets my vote. although I own a convertible, closed cars have always looked better to me...making a top go down requires compromise in the body style, whereas a closed top does not and even adds another layer of style available to work with, with the roof and side/rear window shapes, especially in larger cars. exceedingly few open cars look good with the top up...its fun to have the wind in your hair, but this 120 and esp the Etype are much sexier as coupes...everything from an MGB to a deVille looks better as a closed car to my eye. also, that's a beautiful driving road in the vid!

[@jonjones1553]

As beautiful as a blank cheque.

[@brentg3707]

beautiful

[@christopherhughes8402]

One of the things that can't be shared is the smell of a fine vintage car. It's the smell of old leather, tobacco and vintage lubricants, age and use. The smell tickles the edges of the mammalian brain, it's familiar but just out of reach is why.

[@ovenorway]

It would benefit if you moved that front licence plate to below the bumper

[@cackhandedwally7981]

Perhaps, but it would not be correct. The US-bound cars featured the license plate right where it is on Nick’s car, contrary to the central position used on home market and EU-destined cars.

[@bradcollins9647]

I would think that the smaller steering wheel makes driving at slow speeds more effortful - or did they retrofitting power steering?

[@cackhandedwally7981]

No, he did not add power steering. I had the honor of taking Nick for a short drive in the car after the new steering wheel had been fitted and the engine fettled. We discussed the effect of the smaller steering wheel as we braked for the cul de sac at the end of his street, and I related the contemporary report on the car’s turning radius as “depending entirely on how deep you buried your foot into the throttle,” then accelerated out of the turn, all to his evident enjoyment. Dr. Nicholas Begovich was a great guy with an astounding intellect, wonderful sense of humor, and exquisite taste in motor cars, and he is deeply missed by his many friends.

[@cackhandedwally7981]

Any XK120 coupe owner taller than 5’-10” appreciates the adjustability of the steering column: you can adjust it so the steering wheel presses against your chest or against your knees. I believe that, and the fact that the door presses against your shoulder while your head grazes the headliner, are what Mr Osborne refers to as “ergonomic problems.”

[@donaldosborne9565]

@@cackhandedwally7981 - what a pleasure to have your first-hand observation. I certainly feel as if I am with Dr. Begovich every time I am with one of his cars. What a pleasure and honor!

[@uliwehner]

beautiful car. especially in black. I am surprised by the torn up bolster on the drivers seat. It only has 25,000 miles on it? right? if you daily drove it, this would have taken 2 years at 12k a year. I would have been upset if my seats tore up that fast. i have driven cars with 250k on them with the seats in similar shape after 25 years of use.

[@johndavey72]

I don't think it's worn , it looks like it's been bitten or chewed. And it looks pretty fresh . Well , l suppose they call it patina !

[@cackhandedwally7981]

The car is BRG, not black.

[@uliwehner]

@@cackhandedwally7981 hard to see on my screen. Nevertheless they do look awesome in black.

[@steved8053]

i want your job

[@emjayay]

The seats probably have horsehair in them instead of foam rubber.

[@JamesAllmond]

hide that from Jay, he'll want to add it to the collection and drive the freaking wheels off it! Which may not be a bad thing...

[@cedb7115]

I think Jay has at least 3 of those 😂😂

[@writerconsidered]

I believe Jay has the 120 and the 140.

[@steved8053]

i owned a 190sl i bought 1987 as a toy novelty, for 11,000. i spent some money on it and i sold it a few year later for 18,000. i broke even, which i thought was ok...better than a boat. with expanding economy i could have done much better...

[@brentoncrowhurst8338]

There I "something" about jags. My ex, who knows nothing of cars, could be relied on to notice jags of any style, any age: "oh, that's a nice car. What's that one?" No need to look. Always and only...a jag. Maybe I'll send her this link.

[@kenphillips5221]

That steering wheel just looks wrong.

[@Andersdenkende]

Working on it