1951 Jaguar XK120 Dimensions, Size & Specs

Production
Model Year:1951
Useful Information

About 1951 Jaguar XK120

The Jaguar XK120 Coupe of 1951 is an iconic British classic sports car that marked a significant milestone in automotive history. Launched right after World War II, the XK120's design combined elegance and performance, making it one of the most admired cars of its era. The '120' in its name referred to its groundbreaking top speed of 120 mph (193 km/h), making it the fastest production car globally when it debuted.

Built on a steel chassis with lightweight aluminum body panels, the XK120 Coupe offers a sleek and aerodynamic silhouette that has continued to inspire sports car designs. The coupe version, introduced alongside the roadster variant, featured a fixed hardtop roof delivering a more refined and enclosed driving experience with a focus on comfort and luxury.

Dimension-wise, the 1951 Jaguar XK120 Coupe measured approximately 4,570 mm (179.9 inches) in length, with a width around 1,650 mm (65 inches) and a height near 1,280 mm (50.4 inches). Its compact size contributed to agile handling and an unmistakable road presence while remaining practical for its time. The lightweight construction kept the vehicle’s weight low, enhancing acceleration and overall performance.

Under the hood, the XK120 coupe was powered by a 3.4-liter inline-six engine renowned for its smooth and potent delivery, producing about 160 horsepower. This powerplant, combined with its streamlined physique, allowed the XK120 to achieve remarkable speed and driving dynamics.

The Jaguar XK120 Coupe is celebrated not only for its performance and design but also as a symbol of the post-war optimism and British automotive craftsmanship. It remains a prized collectible and continues to be showcased worldwide for its timeless style and engineering excellence.

Exceptional Features

1951 Jaguar XK120 Highlights

Discover the standout features that make the 1951 Jaguar XK120 a leader in its class

Engine Performance

Equipped with a 3.4-liter inline-six engine producing 160 horsepower, the XK120 was one of the fastest production cars of its time, capable of reaching speeds up to 120 mph.

Aerodynamic Design

The sleek and curvaceous bodywork contributed to its high-speed capability, making it both stylish and functional in reducing drag.

Chassis and Suspension

Features a robust chassis with independent front suspension and a live rear axle, providing a balanced combination of handling and ride comfort.

Performance Braking System

Fitted with drum brakes on all four wheels, which, while standard at the time, were optimized for better stopping power in a sports car setting.

Luxurious Interior

Offers a well-appointed interior with leather seats and walnut dashboard, emphasizing both sportiness and luxury.
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.

The 1951 Jaguar XK120 coupe measures approximately 4483 mm (176.5 inches) in length, 1623 mm (63.9 inches) in width, and 1270 mm (50 inches) in height. These dimensions give the XK120 a sleek and low profile that was characteristic of sports cars of the era. The relatively compact size contributes to its agile handling and classic roadster stance, making it stand out aesthetically and dynamically among its contemporaries.

The Jaguar XK120 coupe from 1951 has a curb weight of approximately 1280 kg (2822 lbs). This relatively light weight for its size and era helps enhance the car's performance, allowing it to accelerate more quickly and handle more responsively. The lighter body contributes to better power-to-weight ratio which was important for the XK120’s reputation as one of the fastest production cars of its time.

The wheelbase of the 1951 Jaguar XK120 coupe is approximately 2692 mm (106 inches). This wheelbase length provides a balanced combination of ride comfort and nimble handling. A longer wheelbase generally improves straight-line stability and passenger comfort, while a shorter wheelbase increases agility. At 2692 mm, the XK120 strikes a good balance for a sports coupe of its era, contributing to its smooth ride and excellent road manners.

The Jaguar XK120 coupe’s relatively modest dimensions make it suitable for most standard home garages. With a length of 4483 mm (176.5 inches) and width of 1623 mm (63.9 inches), it comfortably fits into a typical garage space, which commonly measures around 6 meters (19.7 feet) in length and 3 meters (9.8 feet) in width. Its low height of 1270 mm (50 inches) ensures that headroom inside a garage is not an issue. Therefore, owners should not have difficulty parking and storing their XK120 in conventional home garages.

The interior of the Jaguar XK120 from 1951 is compact by modern standards, reflecting its sporting intent and the design priorities of its time. Passenger space is limited, with a snug two-seat layout designed for a driver and one passenger. Headroom and legroom are adequate for average-sized adults but not spacious compared to today's coupes and sports cars, which have benefited from advancements in interior packaging and safety regulations. Though tight, the XK120’s cockpit offers a classic driving experience valued by enthusiasts.

As the Jaguar XK120 was introduced in 1948 as a new model and did not have a direct predecessor in the same category, it effectively set a new standard for Jaguar’s sports cars. However, comparing it to earlier Jaguar models like the SS 100, the XK120 was longer and wider, with enhanced performance capabilities and more modern styling. This increase in size allowed for more comfort and improved aerodynamics, setting the XK120 apart and establishing it as a benchmark for subsequent Jaguar sports cars.

Compared to other sports coupes from the early 1950s, the Jaguar XK120 was slightly larger in length and width, with a notably lower height contributing to a streamlined appearance. For example, it was longer and wider than contemporaries like the MG TD or Triumph TR2, allowing slightly more cabin space and better stability at high speeds. Its lightweight but substantial dimensions made it not only aesthetically distinctive but also a leader in combining performance and classic design in its segment.

The Jaguar XK120 coupe offers modest cargo capacity, with a small trunk space typical of sports cars from the 1950s. Exact capacity figures are hard to specify as the trunk is designed primarily for a spare tire and a few small items rather than extensive luggage. Its coupe body style prioritizes sporty aesthetics and performance over storage, so owners generally use it for short trips or events rather than long journeys requiring large cargo space.

The 1951 Jaguar XK120 coupe typically came equipped with a 3.4-liter inline-6 engine producing around 160-180 horsepower, depending on tuning and market specifications. This engine allowed the XK120 to reach speeds up to 193 km/h (120 mph), making it one of the fastest production cars of its time. The smooth, powerful engine combined with its relatively lightweight body made the XK120 a thrilling sports car celebrated for its excellent balance of speed and handling.

The fuel tank capacity of the Jaguar XK120 coupe from 1951 is approximately 70 liters (18.5 US gallons). Given the sporting nature and engine size, the fuel consumption typically ranged around 14 to 18 liters per 100 kilometers (about 16 to 13 miles per gallon). While not fuel-efficient by modern standards, these figures reflect the car’s focus on performance and power rather than economy. For enthusiasts, the balance of fuel capacity and consumption allowed reasonable touring range for its era.

You can also visit the official website of Jaguar Logo Jaguar