The original and ‘purest’ of the XK range. Designed in 1948 as a limited-edition model to showcase the new and ground-breaking XK engine, the first cars (242) were all constructed using aluminium body panels largely hand-formed over a steel bulkhead, with ash-framing to the rear, using traditional coach-building methods. These cars all had the ‘roadster’ or, more correctly ‘open two seater’ (OTS) body style, and all left the factory with steel wheels and spats over the rear wheels. The OTS conceals its hood under the leading edge of the rear tonneau panel, behind the seats, and the car has sidescreens rather than wind-up windows. The alloy cars were then supplanted by externally virtually identical steel -bodied XK120s in 1950, and the more luxurious and supremely elegant XK120 fixed head (FHC) was added to the range in 1951. Finally the similarly-appointed but convertible XK 120 drophead coupe(DHC) was introduced in April 1953.
Pros: Original and purest XK. Elegant styling across all three models, with superb restrained detailing such as minimalist bumpers and grille. The purists choice.120 fixed head often felt to be the best-looking XK of all.
Cons: Awkward vintage style driving position takes acclimatisation. Impossible for 6‘+ drivers. Brakes can be marginal if not adjusted well. Steering box not as communicative as later models rack & pinion, although 120 has excellent lock for manoeuvrability . Cooling not adequate in standard form for modern traffic conditions-requires fitting of additional electric fan.
XK 120 Open Two-Seater (aluminium body)
September 1948 – April 1950
| Engine capacity | 3,442cc. |
| Bhp | 160 at 5000rpm (180bhp at 5,300rpm Special |
| Length | 14ft 6in |
| Width | 5ft 1 1/2 in |
| Height | 4ft 4 1/2 in |
| Weight | 25cwt |
| Max. speed | 120mph approx; 0–60mph: 10secs. |
Distinguishing features: appearance essentially as early steel-bodied XK 120 except for larger windscreen side pillar grommets. Removable windscreen. Wire wheels not offered. Drum brakes. Chassis Nos. commence/numbers built: 670001 LHD (184), 660001 RHD (58).
XK 120 Open Two-Seater (steel body)
April 1950 – September 1954
| Engine capacity | 3,442cc. |
| Bhp | 160 at 5000rpm (180bhp at 5,300rpm Special Equipment) |
| Length | 14ft 6in |
| Width | 5ft 1 1/2 in |
| Height | 4ft 4 1/2 in |
| Weight | 26cwt |
| Max. speed | 120mph approx; 0–60mph: 10secs (standard) |
Distinguishing features: appearance essentially as early alloy-bodied XK 120 except for smaller windscreen side pillar grommets. Wire wheels offered with Special Equipment package from mid-1951. Drum brakes. Footwell ventilators added November 1951, integral (painted) front sidelight housings from October 1952. Chassis Nos. commence/numbers built: 670185 LHD (6,253), 660059 RHD (1,117).
XK 120 Fixedhead Coupe
March 1951 – September 1954.
| Engine capacity | 3,442cc. |
| Bhp | 160 at 5000rpm (180bhp at 5,300rpm Special Equipment) |
| Length | 14ft 6in |
| Width | 5ft 1 1/2 in |
| Height | 4ft 4 1/2 in |
| Weight | 27 cwt |
| Max. speed | 120mph approx; 0–60mph: 10secs (standard) |
Distinguishing features: Grille/front wings as for open two-seater; integral steel roof, wind-up windows, opening front and rear quarterlights, exterior door handles. Drum brakes. Wire wheels offered with Special Equipment package. Chassis Nos. commence/numbers built: 679001 LHD (2,484), 669001 RHD (194).
XK 120 Drophead Coupe
April 1953 – September 1954
| Engine capacity | 3,442cc. |
| Bhp | 160 at 5000rpm (180bhp at 5,300rpm Special Equipment) |
| Length | 14ft 6in |
| Width | 5ft 1 1/2 in |
| Height | 4ft 4 1/2 in |
| Weight | 27 1/2 cwt |
| Max. speed | 119mph approx; 0–60mph: 11secs (standard) |
Distinguishing features: Grille/front wings as for open two-seater; integral windscreen pillars, wind-up windows, opening front and rear quarterlights, exterior door handles, fully lined top. Drum brakes. Wire wheels offered with Special Equipment package. Chassis Nos. commence/numbers built: 667001 LHD (2,484), 677001 RHD (294).
