Jaguar XK120: When Coventry Went To Le Mans

You can drive this Jaguar XK120 on the street today thanks to classic plates, but you might want to take owner William Foster’s advice and put on a helmet if you plan to do so with any pace. The diminutive wind deflector will only catch a few errant bugs, and after all, the car was built to race rather than putt-putt about town. One of the three XK120s that the Jaguar factory prepared and selectively doled out to private teams for the 1950 24 Hours of Le Mans, this car was a pioneering piece of Jaguar’s dominance of the race in the decade to come. Giving way to the C- and D-Types that would earn five wins at Le Mans (two for the C-Type, a hat trick for the D-Type), this XK120 is a special piece of British racing history.
See the photoshoot and read more here: petro.li/XK120...
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[@1970DAH]

Nice to have an owner talk about the car instead of himself.

[@philippebossens7546]

6:57 Lucky shot when that fighterjet passes over the jaguar! :o epic!

[@93455Driver]

Very cool.

[@woooster17]

Looked like a Typhoon.. was a cool shot indeed

[@stevepitts18]

2 Typhoons if you look closely :-)

[@woooster17]

@@stevepitts18 Quite right.. took a couple of views mind to see the Tiffy in front ;)

[@SnakeyUk08]

Shame we didn't get the sound of them , but then again it would blow your ears off they are mega loud! lol

[@vitale6633]

One of the most gorgeous vehicles ever produced !!! Timeless.

[@ReevesRovers]

It's good to see Petrolicious return to form with such an excellent film. No ads, superb cinematography, and for once not a Porsche in sight!.

[@virgilrytaar9083]

Nice 924S!

[@althejazzman]

@@Toro-Bravo Porsches are extremely well built, and the company really support their classic owners, with most parts available. This is why. I own a 924 Turbo, and have previously owned a 944. These models in particular are easy to work on at home, and very predictable handling. I can't speak for other models though, some of which are a completely different design.

[@rubensflorentino548]

@@Toro-Bravo I don't know about the modern Porsches, never drove one but the "classic" ones I can tell you: feels like a VW Beetle on steroids.

[@fredericksaxton3991]

@@Toro-Bravo Same here. A friend once took me out in his 911 carerra, he then had a drink too many and invited me to drive the 5 miles home. He insisted I did not down change the gear lever as there was a chance to engage 1st gear and not 3rd. I thought that was a good reasoon not to have a Porsche.

[@calleskoga3572]

Ha Ha😅

[@fasiuddiin]

This channel is the reason i am on KZbin. The cars they feature are absolutely beautiful ..

[@Flaggermusmann]

I'm starting to enjoy green cars more and more, especially the british ones.

[@susheergovindaraj5842]

Agree..The british racing green is an ageless color. Sad thing is we don't see more this color in present day cars.

[@happychappers8311]

My Dad has an 62 Triumph Tr4 in British racing green with Ox blood leather, its a gorgeous colour combination and the older i get the more i appreciate it.

[@robertfayette4877]

Great family story of a gem transferred from one custodian/driver to another. Pure driving experience and no silly attachments to the car this time. Finally Petrolicious you made my day ! Respect Mr Foster !

[@Laguna2013]

How did they afford that car as a janitor?

[@robertfayette4877]

@@Laguna2013 divine judgments are unsearchable

[@stanfede5022]

Sharing a passion for motor racing and classic sports cars with your dad; driving a historically significant, beautiful, classic car that your dad acquired. . . . For the auto enthusiast, I don't think it gets much better than this!

[@iamrichrocker]

this guy loves his car..has a cover on it..inside a well built garage..btw..killer jacket he has on..

[@Z28PAPI]

Even did his interview from the driver seat.

[@jep1912]

'Alive', precisely. It's why we all love driving pure vehicles. Made my morning here in 'nanny' Australia. Thank you.

[@vdochev]

This is what THE Jaguar should look and sound like. Much love for the English Jaguar and Coventry!

[@chrismiedema]

Purity of Purpose. Love that, how quintessentially British !

[@hectormonclova7563]

The relationship of the driver with his father, summoned in his relationship with the car and the act of driving in that infinite landscape, in which so much distance can accommodate in the eyes, the speed as an element that unites it all, including the fortunate accent of the fighter plane passing through and going into the beyond, which at the end the car would be doing, everything brings a mystical element in which speed in kind of an attempt to defeat death and our ephemeral, fleeting condition... 💧 So intense, so beautiful. Thank you...

[@andrewanderson5297]

This was brilliant, I especially liked time stamp 7:00 with the typhoon flying overhead.

[@erichakanson7010]

I'm a Porsche/BMW guy at heart, but I absolutely adore the XK120 Jaguar. To me, in both design and performance it's the epitome of classic British motoring. Some people like e-types (and 140's and 150's) but the 120 is so much more attractive than those other already beautiful cars. And the familial history in racing that accompanies this car has to make it one of the best 120's in the world. Thanks Petrolicious, this one was fascinating (and I could've watched hours worth of video on this car.) This video is exactly what sets Petrolicious apart from the others. Cheers!

[@ProjectFairmont]

Eric Hakanson British sports cars only need a good, relatively light American V8 to reach legendary status in the Sixties.

[@ProtoLex]

You're making great movies that touch my soul and tears appears in my eyes because of a storm of emotions! Please keep it doing! Thank you so much!

[@marcryvon]

BRG and the sound of a Brit straight six. Sublime !! Thank you.

[@MrGaryGG48]

While there are some other beautiful examples out there, I've yet to hear anything that can grab me by the ears like a Jaguar XK engine. The first I ever encountered was a 1950 XK120 that belonged to a friend's older sister in 1965, in Arizona. I would meet her at the intersection leaving our neighborhood occasionally, when I had to wait behind her on my motorcycle, for traffic to clear. Knowing I was watching always encouraged her to stand on it just a bit harder as she pulled away. As a life-long musician, I can tell you, THAT was a Symphony!!!

[@garthlundquist8316]

One of your best videos. Pure, sparse, evocative. I too was blessed to share the Jaguar ownership experience with my father: we had several but the XK 120 FHC and 1963 XKE OTS were in the family for 4 decades. It is possible to develop a love and appreciation for classic rolling sculpture. While stunning to view in a static setting, the dynamic nature of driving through a beautiful landscape in a classic Jaguar is an experience I will always treasure, especially because it reminded me so strongly of my father long after he passed. Once In the early 1990’s I was driving nonstop from San Francisco to Seattle in the XK 120, and while motoring smartly through the Siskiyou Mountains at 115 mph, was passed by a then new Porsche Turbo. The Porsche driver slowed alongside, saluted, then disappeared in a whoosh into the distance. Respect.

[@MrDanty64]

Not to ruin it for those that haven't been but the more Petros I see filmed in England I'm going to have to put my foot down: the roads and the landscapes in this are very similar to those in MARIN COUNTY CA (north of SF, west of Infineon Raceway which hosts a bunch of classic races where this car would take the checker...). I should add the main road he was on is similar to Sir Francis Drake Drive (part of State Highway 1) and is really kick ass for a good drive. Lots of eye candy in more ways than one out there.

[@ulrichsuter3548]

Thank you Petrolicious for giving me 8 and a half wonderful minutes. And thanks to William for displaying the car in the first place. What a privilege to own and drive that car! This car was meant to be driven like that - I know too many similar cars collecting dust...

[@RL-dj4zl]

Purrfect, complete, crystalline, pure and I love the dancing tach. Well done.

[@steepskier5301]

A video I will cherish! A Jaguar I yearn to own.

[@gnarshread]

What a humble gentleman. Much respect!

[@isaks3243]

My car is a very special car. The model was made in 72 and 73 and only 8077 were ever produced, this car however is off the charts. My car sounds amazing for an inline 4, this car is unbeatable. You own a gem, take care of her and keep her on the road! PS. For the people who don't know, I own a 73 Volvo P1800ES

[@VMX42AUS]

I love it when cars are part of the fabric of a family and not just a collectors toy...a beautiful machine!!!

[@virgilrytaar9083]

Fantastic.......and he has a secret gem in his garage on the right; Porsche 924S, a really underrated, surprisingly capable sports car

[@andrewipp426]

What a great story, the camera work, background music and editing is outstanding, hearing him tell the story with the fact that he got to race with his father, is a very special thing, getting to bond and share insights while on track. My father wasn’t a petrol head, he was very patient with my obsession with cars, this man definitely got to live a gear head dream hanging out with dad!

[@robertmorgan8581]

That’s simply the most fabulous and evocative car ever!

[@beegee22]

Great video, fabulous car and what a wonderful exhaust note it puts out!

[@kunstmol]

The most important three words: Purity Of Purpose. Brilliantly sums up this car.

[@bruceschneider4928]

A beautiful car making beautiful sounds in beautiful countryside.

[@cecilwilson5442]

Great video the connection with the car was the good part of the story it was not just an asset but loved and there was much more with the memories of his father and years with the car 👍👍🍀🍀

[@blainekelley816]

Great car ... Great story! Enjoyed the flyover at 6:58 that was mentioned + 1:04 - :08 watching the tach needle dance during double clutching. Lots of exhaust note and low music = perfect! And then the QOTD (Quote Of The Day): "fly screen keeps a bit of air off ... not so much"!!!!!!!!

[@sergeantsqueaker]

Beautiful car. Beautiful scenery. Beautiful story.

[@waterfordrs22]

The C-Type is my favorite from that general period. That is one hell of a fabulous car, so purposeful looking. Most interesting if it kind.

[@2.fresh767]

Beautiful, just beautiful.

[@owlinthewood]

Beautiful car. I love that road. I had a TR3a for a couple of years and regularly took it over there.

[@Billbothebear14]

50+ years ago, as a grubby/filthy schoolboy, doing after hours Rugby training practice, I used to be brought home [ by a French master, who had assisted ..]. He owned a tired XK120 fhc, in black.. same colour as me really.. and it was THE thing I loved the best.. a 2 mile drive home in that car. I adored it, and the fhc has been my FAVOURITE car ever since.. if only. Happy days. But then girls arrived, I gave up Rugby [ for motorcycles] and life got really interesting. Hey ho.

[@lifelongbachelor3651]

beautiful machine. that engine sound is magic.

[@AliasTutorials]

What a lovely guy and his car! Cheers to father! Thank you

[@maudwagner7211]

the xk engine!! that bark on the over run! love it

[@adrianredodo]

Beautiful simplicity. Just this

[@johnfenner347]

Absolutely Splendid. Beautifully Presented. A Joy To View. I Only Have An X Type, But I Can Dream !.

[@marcryvon]

I loved the X type. So underated.

[@DADDA]

If someone made VR 360 videos driving classics like this one I would be happy to pay that type of content, excellent video!

[@briandouglas5552]

That was a really nice video. I was constantly reminded of the lovely little Jaguar XK-120 wind-up toy my dad kept in the bottom drawer of his Butler's desk. It was green with red interior and was missing one of the front wheels. The steering still worked, though, as did the 4 speed transmission! There was a little metal flap on the outside that operated a clutch. Then, you could change gears with the metal gear shift lever. I wonder if we kept it?

[@paulfitzgerald7513]

One of the most beautiful cars ever made in my opinion. Would rather have this than an e type.

[@michaelnugara1]

Beautiful car and love the story behind it.

[@dillank3240]

Wonderful cinematography!

[@mojoblues66]

Great video. 25 fps suits the subject very well, perfect for cathode ray tubes...

[@BlueHopi144]

this one and the D-type took over Le Mans wonderfully well .

[@gmain1977]

Love these cars British Sports of this era was very cool

[@Roadmantics]

Good job Pornicious!! This channel will be a piece of modern history in 50 years. We made the same in spanish with our channel for the world spanish community, Roadmantics. Keep on rockin´ with your great job and we wish you a long life in YT

[@ercando11]

Lovely. Thank you so much for sharing your story and jewel!

[@jpm74]

LOL at all these trolls who complain about Petrolicious' Membership/Subscription. Amazing Tuesday videos like clockwork. Their sincerity goes a long way to me subscribing in the future. Good job Petrolicious.

[@gmain1977]

Great Video. That is a very nice car. British Sports cars at that time were amazing

[@alexanderlorimer3631]

i remember this car at st andrews being driven by john foster from craigie farm near leuchars fife.

[@filippo5913]

Will I ever watch a Petrolicious’ video till the end without starting to cry? I don’t think so

[@chriscarbaugh3936]

That has to be Scotland. Great video;hope to see you on the road some day.

[@robinhorton6625]

Amazing film with great light and sound

[@marknelson5929]

Perfect roads for this gem as well.

[@MayurPM]

Petrolicious ..🙏🇮🇳Grand salute to this Queen Jaguar Car From India Amazing Car🤗😊

[@k.j.g.9601]

Love that he did much of the session sitting in the car.....

[@bobjames874]

Well done, well done.

[@nkelly.9]

Good film. Great car. One point though, the Moss gearbox is not a "crash" box, it has synchromesh on 2nd ,3rd and 4th gears - albeit antiquated.

[@ShannonSouthAfrica]

What a beauty

[@exzelzo]

what a beautiful car.....

[@RenoveAutoService]

Incredible video again Images light and music Keep going!!!

[@Sheptunofff]

Here is something more beautiful than the Jag. Its nature.

[@ypcgnx7766]

Amazing car, amazing landscape ! Thanks a lot Petrolicious !

[@barenekid9695]

Awww Really ! I owned an XK 120 mc For ~15 yrs. Neighbor owned LT1 (look it up) which despite being a purpose designed 'race ' version' was equally unimpressive to drive quickly. First and Most importantly 120's had 'use Only once' brakes .. Which Seriously curtailed Any driving beyond Granma fashion. Shite linings and Massive drums that retained heat better than one's Skillet. Featuring Brake fade so pervasive that even One panic stop from 30 MPH! Faded the brakes into uselessness. At least until the massive iron drums cooled down.. ~1/2 hour, often more... later. Even those trick looking Backplate Air scoops the factory quickly fitted gave No noticeable improvement. Add in Zero (stock at least) Rear axle location along with the not so precise steering .. meant the the rear axle steered the damned car in any spirited driving. Some Fun! XK120's were Very primitive ....Think Model A Ford in a stylish body but with a better throttle. IMO ANY race driver of a n Xk120 in ANY form was brave to the point of Idiocy ! But Hey! nothing like Old Fools and their Selective Memory : "Nostalgia'

[@philcopson3900]

No, it isn't a "crash box" - a crash box means a gearbox without any mechanism to synchronise the speeds of the gears, so that you have to do it yourself. The Moss box has a non-synchro first, the rest have synchro.

[@phillipmassie6552]

Thanks for sharing, brings back memories that sound.Phil Massie

[@sergiogodoym4]

I think it was and Eurofighter doing his low pass mountain training, great car.

[@zimcam1]

Great timing to honor the passing of Norman Dewis too.

[@johnmckenna8989]

....Where was this filmed ? ....I found myself driving along in my TR3A without the windscreen, .....Done that a few times over the last 50 years that I've owned the car.......I drove through Moll's Gap in Ireland in a micro bus in 1976, same colours and wide open spaces.......John(west coast,Can.)

[@user-mp1gz1go7m]

Great video, pity about the background racket !

[@aleoimpala]

What a sexy piece of machinery...

[@bmker5469]

With all the mess in modern society, Job insecurity, Political turmoil and an increasingly problematic future for most. This video lets you forget these problems for a few minutes, Keep up with the quality videos, avid fan... anyone know the roads used?

[@daveangel7807]

Loved that - thank you!

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

Beautiful car ...but no roll hoop? That is something I would add ( and have added) to any roofless car, even on the street. Lovely sound they make...

[@SmallBlogV8]

The noise of those old XK straight-sixes frequently makes me think of a low-flying propeller plane.

[@craigcohen4936]

Simply beautiful ☺

[@oliversworldofwheels4910]

I love that car! Mice! Love you he video like always!

[@MaxBrauns]

where was this shot?? scenery is beautiful

[@joelonzello4189]

Great Cars ! Cant fit behind the wheel and operate pedals. An automatic would kill the experience for me. Had to make do with an E-Type....

[@stewartw.9151]

There was a time when these cars could have been bought used, for next to nothing in Britain. I almost bought an XK150 in the early 1970s priced at 450 pounds! Left it though as it needed work on the brakes. If only..........!

[@fredericksaxton3991]

Nice video, I notice you have a 'studded head' engine and not a 'studless head' engine fitted.

[@vancouverman4313]

Beautiful countryside, is it Dartmoor?

[@zacs8654]

Beautiful

[@awalk5177]

Always nice to drive with the wind in your hair, or in this case helmet.

[@Northbaylandscaping]

I had a similar story but, the 1950 xk120 we had wasn't that prestigious even though it was built a year later. I would think that a Peter Walker one of a half dozen all aluminum ash frame xk120 has to be well above a million euro car.

[@7302ab]

squadron leader xk120

[@NuclearGrizzly]

My major regret about being 6'7" is that I'll never fit in a car like this.

[@Jim58223]

NuclearGrizzly but you get all the women

[@BlueHopi144]

maybe not .....lol@@Jim58223

[@NuclearGrizzly]

@@Jim58223 The older I get the more I prefer cars. Higher reliability and maintenance costs are much much lower. Plus the fit in that Jag doesn't loosen up with use. 😁😁😁

[@daos3300]

that and the fact you have to be obscenely wealthy to own one? but maybe you are.

[@NuclearGrizzly]

@@daos3300 I've done well. But not just this car. I don't even fit in Corvettes or pretty much anything with 2 seats. My favorite cars are the series 1 E-Type and the '60s Lotus Elan. And neither is going to happen. I'm pretty much relegated to 911's and '60s-early '70s muscle cars. I even missed a chance to drive a Ferrari 275 from Houston to Atlanta.

[@philcopson3900]

More twaddle - Jaguar didn't "revert" to steel - (revert means to "go back to" and the XK120 did not have a steel body prior to the aluminium body) - they switched to steel. Nor did they do it because "steel was cheaper and easier to use" - they did it because demand couldn't be met by hand-making bodies in aluminium over a wooden frame. Steel is harder to use, not easier - you wouldn't hand-beat car bodies in steel - the point is that buying-in pressed-steel bodies was the only way to meet production requirements.

[@anveshgr278]

That location which comes in every other fantastic car stories is so amazing (even the Jaguar). Can I know the location name?

[@raymoreton3184]

What a stunning car and noise, the noise a car machine makes is very important. Is that filmed near the Mach loop by any chance ??

[@owlinthewood]

It’s the road between Ballater and Corgaff in Aberdeenshire.

[@TexasScout]

“Purity of purpose, it’s hard to find that these days “the only thing that came close to it was the original Mazda Miata.

[@elmomusk9952]

This man does not pay for his shampoo or towels. This man, drives a Jaaaag.

[@luizgiao652]

The better is take a cofee, looking the car. Only owners knows...