Description
Quite simply, one of the most significant and famous Jaguar XK120 Competition Roadsters in the World!
Exquisite and renowned, this Jaguar XK120 Competition Roadster holds a special place in automotive history. It is one of the most celebrated examples of its kind, with a notable racing heritage that includes being driven by Duncan Hamilton during its heyday. As a right-hand-drive vehicle, this competition XK120, with the chassis number 660332, was crafted on November 22nd, 1950, and swiftly delivered to its first owner, Mr. Philip Fotheringham-Parker, through Henlys of London just a few weeks later. Originally adorned in a captivating suede green shade with a matching interior, it epitomizes classic elegance.
Fotheringham-Parker was a passionate amateur racing driver of the pre- and post-war era, combining his wealth, talent, and enthusiasm to achieve commendable success in national and international events. His early racing endeavors involved an Alvis at Brooklands, where he had a harrowing experience in 1932 when he lost control on the wet track and tumbled over the banking. Fortunately, he emerged from the accident without severe injury. He later piloted a Lancia Lambda and Ford V8 in other races at Brooklands and Donington Park. However, the outbreak of World War II interrupted his promising career. When racing resumed, Fotheringham-Parker, already 38 years old, found himself older than many up-and-coming drivers, including his friend Duncan Hamilton, a larger-than-life character and former Lysander pilot. Despite the age difference, Fotheringham-Parker persisted in his racing pursuits and achieved notable feats with his pre-war Maserati, including a second-place finish in the Wakefield Trophy at the Curragh in 1949.
When the XK120 made its triumphant debut at Silverstone in 1949, Fotheringham-Parker joined a growing list of eager drivers who desired this remarkable vehicle. Upon taking delivery of LXF731 in late 1950, he promptly loaned it to Hamilton, who raced it in various national and international events throughout 1951. This marked the beginning of a fruitful association between the Jaguar marque and Hamilton, culminating in their victories with the works team at Le Mans in 1953 and Rheims in 1956.
The first recorded event for LXF731 took place on May 5th, 1951, at the 1-hour production car race during the Daily Express Silverstone Trophy Meeting. With Hamilton behind the wheel, LXF731 secured a commendable third-place finish, trailing behind Stirling Moss and Charles Dodson. The car's next outing at the Portuguese Grand Prix on June 17th was less successful, as Hamilton retired from the race. However, he quickly made amends by clinching two victories in the XK120 at Boreham in the Williams Lyons Trophy race and the Unlimited race on August 11th. Just a week later, Fotheringham-Parker himself achieved two second-place finishes at Goodwood in the Sports Car and Handicap races during the BARC 7th Members meeting. Hamilton added to this success by securing two second-place finishes in handicap races of his own. At the September Goodwood International Meeting, Fotheringham-Parker attained a respectable fifth-place finish in the Sports Car race and a third-place finish in the Handicap race, facing strong competition, including Moss driving the new C-Type, chassis XKC001. The car participated in the Winfield event in October, concluding the 1951 season. With the introduction of Jaguar's new sports racer, both Hamilton and Fotheringham-Parker decided that a faster car was necessary for 1952. Hamilton upgraded to a C-Type, driving XKC004, while Fotheringham-Parker transitioned to an HWM-Alta. Nonetheless, LXF731's competition career was far from over. It soon appeared in action under the hands of C. M. Kemp in the RAC and Morecambe Rallies in the spring of 1952. Returning to Silverstone on August 30th, Kemp competed in the 750 MC Six Hour Relay race, representing the Sporting Owner Drivers Club team, which finished fourth overall. Notably, Kemp's XK120 emerged as the highest-placed finisher, surpassing more experienced drivers such as Jim Swift and Denis O'M Taylor, who had been handicapped. Although LXF731's appearances in competitions diminished thereafter, it did participate in the MCC race in September 1952, as well as sporadic minor events in the late '50s and '60s, exemplified by R. Brodie's entry in the car at the Dunfermline driving tests during that period. Subsequently, the car made its way to Northern Ireland, where it was purchased by David Bazire before returning to England by 1968. In 2011, J D Classics acquired the car from Bazire and embarked on a comprehensive restoration project, meticulously recreating the car's original racing specifications and color through a chassis-off restoration. Since then, the car has been impeccably maintained regardless of cost and has triumphantly completed the Mille Miglia on two occasions, as well as participated in the Le Mans Legends Support Race. It is accompanied by a comprehensive history file, featuring period photos and correspondence between Bazire and Hamilton, making LXF731 a truly remarkable opportunity to acquire a historic Jaguar that played a pivotal role in the early career of one of Britain's most charismatic and successful drivers of the 1950s.
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Period Race History
1951
5th May
Track: Silverstone, Daily Express Trophy Meeting
Race: 1 hour Production Car race
Driver: Duncan Hamilton. Car No. 30
Result: 3rd
17th June
Track: Circuito da Boavista, Porto
Race: 1st Grand Prix of Portugal
Driver: Duncan Hamilton
Result: DNF
11th August
Track: Boreham
Race: Williams Lyons Trophy
Driver: Duncan Hamilton. Car No. 108
Result: 1st
Race: Unlimited National Race
Driver: Duncan Hamilton. Car No. 108
Result: 1st
18th August
Track: Goodwood, BARC 7th Members meeting
Race: Over 3000cc Sports Car race
Driver: Philip Fotheringham-Parker. Car No. 36
Result: 2nd
Race: Handicap race A
Driver: Philip Fotheringham-Parker. Car No. 36
Result: 2nd
Race: Handicap race D
Driver: Duncan Hamilton. Car No. 36
Result: 2nd
Race: Handicap race E
Driver: Duncan Hamilton. Car No. 36
Result: 2nd
29th September
Track: Goodwood, International meeting
Race: Sports Car race
Driver: Philip Fotheringham-Parker. Car No. 61
Result: 5th
Race: Handicap race
Driver: Philip Fotheringham-Parker. Car No. 61
Result: 3rd
13th October
Track: Winfield
Race: Unlimited Sports Car race
Driver: Philip Fotheringham-Parker. Car No. 57
Result: Finished
1952
31st March – 2nd April
Event: RAC International Rally
Driver: C M Kemp
Result: Finished
May
Event: Morecambe Rally
Driver: C M Kemp. Car No. 30
Result: Finished
30th August
Track: Silverstone
Race: 750 MC 6 Hour Relay race
Driver: C M Kemp. Car No. 29A
Result: 4th
13th September
Track: Silverstone
Race: MCC Sports Car race
Driver: C M Kemp. Car No. 4
Result: Finished
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