One for the road or the circuit

When Jaguar introduced the XK120 in 1948 it was not only its looks that impressed, but also its healthy engine. Its power output not only propelled the XK120 to many racing successes, but when fitted to the much heavier Mk VII and Mk VIII saloons, it also proved its worth. 1952 saw Mk VIIs take fourth and sixth places on the Monte Carlo Rally and in 1956 Ronnie Adams won the Monte outright. During the mid-fifties the Mk VII and Mk VIII saloons dominated the touring car races as shown here at Silverstone in 1954 (Sterling Moss driving SUM 7). Yet the Mk VII and Mk VIII saloons were very luxury vehicles that made Jaguar’s slogan ‘Grace, Pace and Space’ more than true. Tomorrow, July 16th, one of these saloons, a 1958 Mk VIII, will be offered by Coys during their auction at Blenheim Palace, although this one seems more the ‘Grace’ version.

(photos courtesy Coys)

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