Selling a Classic 1950’s Jaguar

 

The history of the Jaguar automotive company dates back to 1922 when William Lyons launched the Swallow Sidecar Company with a friend, William Walmsley. Five years later, Swallow was fashioning bodies for chassis by Austin, Fiat and others. By 1931, the company had joined with nearby chassis builder Standard Motor Company to build the SSI – the first car to bear the Jaguar name. During WWII, Jaguar would return to building sidecars for the military. After the war, the company would debut its first sports car, the XK120. Only intending to build approximately 200 cars, the demand for these unique sports cars with elegant curvature and a top speed of 120mph was great, and Lyons geared up the Coventry-based manufacturing facility for mass production. Sparking interest in countries across the globe, the XK120 would become Jaguar’s first export model and would give the manufacturer worldwide recognition.

If you’re thinking about selling a 1950’s classic Jaguar, you can rest assured knowing there is a strong following for these early Jaguar classics. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular models of the 1950’s and the characteristics that buyers look for in a model for purchase.

 

Classic Jaguar XK120:

Launched in 1948 at the London Motor Show, the XK120 was originally debuted in Roadster form and would display the new Jaguar XK engine. The very first 242 cars, which were wood-framed with aluminum panels, are perhaps the most rare, as is the first 1949 production Roadster that was delivered to Clark Gable. Starting in 1950, all XK120’s were mass-produced with pressed-steel bodies. A Fixed Head Coupe was offered from 1951 and a Drop Head Coupe was first available in 1953. Many collectors turn to the XK120 for its originality, stylish curvature and for the illustrious racing history that it represents. The XK140 would replace the XK120 in 1954.

 

Classic Jaguar XK140:

Produced from 1954 to 1957 and the successor to the XK120, the classic 1950’s Jaguar XK140 boasted more interior space, improved braking, rack and pinion steering, better suspension and telescopic shock absorbers. More substantial front and rear bumpers as well as flashing turn signals above the front bumper would help distinguish the XK140 from the previous XK120. In 1956, the XK140 would become the first Jaguar sports car to be offered with automatic transmission, while wire wheels and dual exhaust would be additional options. These particular 1950’s Jaguar models are popular thanks to these noted advancements.

 

Classic Jaguar XK150:

The last of the Jaguar XK lineup to be offered during the 1950’s, the XK150 would see production from 1957 to 1961 and would replace the XK140. Radically revised, there are many features that buyers love about these particular Jaguars. For example, a one-piece windscreen replaced the split screen, the wing line no longer dropped so deeply at the doors, and the bonnet was longer. New color options were added, as was new options for interior leather and wood. Some buyers prefer these models as they encompassed all the changes that happened during the life of the XK line.

 

If you’re thinking about selling a 1950’s classic Jaguar, the Alex Manos team would be delighted to hear from you. A California classic car dealership based in Los Angeles, their team specializes in the purchase and sale of British cars of the 1950’s as well as other European and American classics. Known for offering top dollar in cash to sellers whose Jaguars fit into their collection, the Alex Manos team looks forward to learning more about your Jaguar. In the meantime, be sure to browse this website to view the cars they are looking for and to learn model-specific Seller’s Tips. Connect today to speak with a representative.

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