Rare Jaguar XK120 Goes Under the Hammer

The Australian motoring division of Bonhams recently announced the highlight of their first Robert Glover head of collectors' motor cars at Bonhams Australia as a wholly owned subsidiary of the international company, which takes place today, August 13, a rare 1949 Jaguar XK120 roadster from the Dawson-Damer collection.

The example in question is, in fact, the 17th Jaguar XK120 made and is one of only 58 right hand drive alloy-bodied roadsters produced.

The vehicle was sold new in Australia and has participated in several local race events, including a number of appearances at the world famous Mount Panorama circuit at Bathurst. It was most recently purchased by world famous Lotus collector/historic racer and rally ace John Dawson-Damer in the late 1970s.

Having been fully restored by Dawson-Damer in the mid-late 1990s the car has seen little use since and is offered for sale on the open market for the first time in over three decades. It is estimated to fetch at least AUD $140,000.

"Having overseen the successful sale of John's exceptional collection of Lotus racing cars in late 2008, we feel both privileged and honoured that Bonhams have been entrusted with the sale of further motor cars from one of the most highly regarded collections in Australia and indeed the world," Robert Glover, head of collectors' motor cars at Bonhams Australia, said in a release.

Also offered for sale from the same collection will be a 1979 Lotus Esprit JPS Edition. Purchased new from the factory by John Dawson-Damer, the car is offered for sale without reserve.