The early development life of the XK120 is Jaguar folklore, chief among which are William Lyons’ original intention to make the car simply a showcase and testbed for his all-new XK twin-cam, straight-six engine. It took just two weeks to build the initial XK120, in time to take the 1948 London motor show by storm; demand was so overwhelming that Jaguar decided to adjust its plans on the spot, following its 240-car limited run of alloy-bodied cars, all virtually handmade, with a full-production steel version.
Chassis 670140 is one of the 183 Left Hand Drive Alloy cars. Completed in February 1950, the Heritage Certificate confirms it was exported new to Belgium. The paperwork on this car is exceptional, with even a Belgium registration booklet dating back to 1955, listing all the owners through to 1966.
It was sold by the Belgian dealer Louis Meeusen on the 3rd October 1966 to Kimber Bauseuee of London, England for 11,000 Francs. Shipped from Ostend to Dover on the 10th November 1966 and then sold to Peter Sugden by the Portobello Motor Co Ltd, Pembridge Road, London for £240. Peter had been in correspondence with Jaguar directly – all on file – regarding buying an Alloy XK120 and the availability of parts. The factory directed him to an advert in Autosport, which evidently led him to 670140.
Peter kept the car for the rest of his life. He was a well-known, enthusiastic club racer and collector. At various times, he owned both the famous Jaguar E-Type ‘CUT 7’ – which he raced alongside the Alloy 120 – as well as a Ferrari 250 SWB. He started getting the Alloy 120 ready to race in the 1970s, and continued to compete in it throughout his life and developed 670140 into one of the quickest XKs on the Club circuit. It also features in James Fraser’s authoritative tome ’The Jaguar XK120 in Competition’.
Restored by Leighter to its current, final spec in the 2000s, this is how it presents today. It is fitted with a 3.8 Litre Sigma built engine that is lower and further back in the chassis. The engine breaths through triple Webbers, the steering has been uprated to rack & pinion, the gearbox is an all-synchro overdrive unit, and the brakes are discs all round. Bucket seats keep you firmly in place, a detachable roll bar should you want to get competitive, and a full (original and rare) windscreen if you felt the need to replace the aero screens.
We bought 760140 off Peter Sugden’s estate in January 2025. We asked Guy Broad to recommission it for us, and have since used it regularly. It is comfortable on both road and track, and blisteringly quick. Not only that, but it also handles exceptionally well and stops on a sixpence. There are four bursting files of history documenting pretty much all of its life.
Loaned to Chris Cooper, of Chris Harris and Friends podcast fame and a member of the Motorsport UK Board of Directors, ahead of The Great British Jaguar Day, where the car was also featured prominently in the main display. Following his time with the car, Chris described it as: “Such an extraordinary car to drive. Totally sorted, easy, balanced, super quick and 14/10 fun factor!!”
One of the most fun and versatile XKs we have ever owned, it also represents exceptional value for money for an original Alloy XK120.
Available now for viewing and demonstration at Pendine’s Bicester motion showrooms.
Price – £149,500
Archive image – thanks to Paul Skilleter
Photos Credit: Jayson Fong
