The restored Jaguar XK120 that set a production car world land speed record for the Flying Mile with a clocking of 172.412 mph in 1953 won “Best in Class, Post War Racing” at the Quail Motorsports Gathering. Factory test driver Norman Dewis, who set the record on Belgium’s Jabbeke Motorway, was reuited with the car for the first time since he drove it on that historic day 60 years ago.
This XK 120 (MDU 524) is the only Jaguar with a World Land Speed Record to its credit. It recently underwent 18 months of exhaustive, front-to-back restoration by JD Classics, the UK-based restoration firm specializing in classic Jaguars. Dewis provided technical and historical support for their work, and the car appeared with its improvised, distinctive bubble canopy that was taken from a jet fighter aircraft and adapted especially for the speed trials.
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