1954 Jaguar XK120 - Jay Leno’s Garage - Summary

Summary

This video features Jay Leno discussing his Jaguar XK120, a classic sports car. He shares his personal connection to the car, dating back to his childhood when he first saw it and later acquired it. The XK120 was known for its impressive speed, elegant design, and the iconic XK engine, which Jay Leno praises for its sound and performance. He also highlights the car's history, including its racing successes, and demonstrates its powerful engine sound. Overall, it's a nostalgic and informative overview of a beloved classic car.

Facts

Here are the key facts from the provided text:

1. The car being discussed is a Jaguar XK120, known for its exceptional sound and performance.
2. The car was purchased by the speaker around 1982 and is their first real sports car.
3. The car made a lasting impression on the speaker when they saw it as a child.
4. The car was owned by an older gentleman named Don Milligan, who still had it in a barn in Andover, Massachusetts.
5. The car had been parked in the barn since 1970 and was still in the same color.
6. The engine of the XK120 was capable of reaching 120 miles per hour, a significant feat at the time.
7. The XK120 was popular among sports car enthusiasts and was considered a true sports car.
8. The speaker made modifications to the car, including upgrading the engine to a 3.8-liter motor and adding a five-speed gearbox.
9. The car's design featured elegant details, including classic Smith gauges and a wood steering wheel.
10. The speaker added fog lights and screens to the car's front end.
11. The XK120 had a locking gas cap with a rubber plug for sealing.
12. The car had a full-size spare tire in the trunk along with a proper tool kit and a manual.
13. The speaker met Bernard, a shop foreman who specialized in Jaguars, due to a valve issue in the car.
14. Bernard eventually started working for the speaker and has been with him for nearly 20 years.
15. The speaker highlighted the XK120's exceptional sound and its performance between 40 and 120 miles per hour.
16. The speaker expressed a deep appreciation for the XK120, considering it a fast, reliable, and dependable car.
17. The engine of the XK120 was noted for its impressive engineering and performance.
18. The speaker mentioned driving Steve McQueen's XKSS, which was a different but remarkable experience.
19. The speaker described the XK120's engine sound as being like an orchestra and still one of the best sounding engines.
20. The car's design was compared to that of the Talbot-Lago teardrop, showcasing its aesthetic appeal.

These facts summarize the key information from the text, excluding opinions or personal anecdotes.