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Volume VIII, Number 8 |
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The Jaguar XK120 Roadster by Matchbox |
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Few British sports cars have had the impact of Jaguar's XK120. Offered in
1949, the XK120 presented amazing style, the power of the new 3.4 litre
DOHC six and all at a price that made it available to the masses. The XK120
led to the C-type that won Le Mans in 1951 and began Jaguar's amazing string
of racing victories during the 1950's. The '120' referred to the top speed
and this was easily proved in racing and rallying success. One of the most famous XK120 models was the Gold Cup winner
of the Alpine Rally in 1950, '51 and '52. Driven by Ian Appleyard, the aluminum-bodied
NUB 120 became an instant legend and now resides in the Jaguar factory museum.In 1984, Matchbox Intl. released only the second example of a Jaguar XK120. Tootsietoy had done a small-scale version in the 1950's while Matchbox had selected the second-generation XK140 Coupe to represent their first Jaguar model. Matchbox selected the original 1949 XK120 Roadster for their example, released in 1985.  Matchbox went further by presenting the XK120 in 'old English white',
carrying the number 414 on the doors and on the front and rear, bearing
the famous NUB 120 number plates. Later versions lost their famous number
plates as part of the casting although the numbers were re-printed on the
plates of some Premier Collection models.In 1988, the XK120 was one of the original World Class series cars produced by Matchbox. Complete with rubber tires, white walls and detailed paint, the World Class models were quite successful although all the windows were chrome plated, an odd idea that detracted from this series. The World Class series progressed to the Premier Collection series, with clear windows and chromed wheels. Three more versions of the XK120 were offered in red, black and green. These three models once again carried the NUB 120 number plates. The XK120 continued to appear in the regular Matchbox line as well. One version added flames on the sides for a hot rod look. By the 1960's some XK120's actually were made into hot rods so this may be more realistic than one might assume. A Jaguar boxed set of four models and a transporter was offered in the early 1990's and it included a red XK120. Since the Premier Collection models of the mid-1990's, the XK120 has not been offered by Matchbox. For 2005, this casting has re-appeared in the new Superfast series. Featuring old Superfast style wheels and the original 'old English white' color seen on the first release, this version is a welcome addition. The number plate has Jaguar's leaping cat mascot and 'XK120'. The box art for the Superfast series is well done and one of the prime attractions of these models. The XK120 art includes detail not included on the car such as lower front turn-signal lights in orange, which were not included on NUB 120 as shown above but did appear on later cars. The new Superfast wheels are a bit undersized but look far better than the horrible low-profile tires/wheels used on classic cars in this series in 2004. While not usually a collector of so many variations of a single model as shown here, the XK120 has proved too tempting over the years. There are additional variations that I have not yet had the fortune to find. Matchbox and Jaguar have a long history together. It is great to see the XK120 back in the line for 2005, joining the 1988 XJ6 and the XK8. Perhaps the classic SS100 and XJ220 will also be re-issued as new Superfast. A five-pack of these Jaguar models would also be a great idea. If Matchbox is thinking about ideas for future Jaguar models there are several I would like to propose. The Jaguar Mk. II deserves far more attention than the single curious Corgi casting. The XJ6 S3 of 1979-87 is completely missing and the XK150 Coupe would be an excellent choice. We can only hope. |
Premier Collection packages  Jaguar boxed set |
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