1952 Jaguar XK 120 Coupe Montlhery Record Car

Leslie Johnson was a particularly enthusiastic Jaguar XK 120 owner and driver, who drove one of the three works XK 120s to victory in the Touring Car Race at Silverstone in August 1949.

Using his own XK120, Johnson decided to go in for endurance records. In October 1950, together with Stirling Moss as his co-driver, he did a 24-hour run at the Montlhery race track near Paris at an average of 107.46 mph (173 km/h). The Jaguar company provided the car for Johnson's next venture, again at Montlhery, in August 1952. The challenge was to drive the XK 120 fixed-head coupe for seven days and seven nights at an average of over 100 mph. Johnson's co-drivers in the attempt were Stirling Moss, Bert Hadley and Jack Fairman.

The first attempt had to be abandoned after the car hit a block of concrete but after repairs the team started again. A spring broke on the fifth day and although it was replaced and the run continued, no more records could be officially accepted. Nevertheless, Jaguar's goal was achieved as the car averaged 100.31 mph (161.43 km/h) for the seven days and seven nights, having covered 16,851 miles (27,120 km). In addition, five new class records and four world records were set for shorter distances, up to four days and 10,000 miles.

Engine: 6cyl, 3442cc Top Speed: 120mph (193km/h) Power: 160bhp Coachwork: fixed-head coupe Price New: £1263