When the new Jaguar roadster, the XK120, was shown at the Earls Court Motor Show in London in 1948, it stopped the hearts of all who saw it. Of course Jaguar only planned to build a small batch of 242 aluminum roadsters for publicity and development of their new engine. But the overwhelming demand for the car sent Jaguar quickly making plans for a production model. The cars were put into the hands of celebrities, sent out the motoring press and tore up race tracks by amateurs and professionals. While the “120” was a hint of the top speed, it actually turned out to be quite an understatement. Although top speed was not tested prior to the first showing of the car, several high speed test runs were made going faster and faster until Chief Test Engineer Norman Dewis ran a slightly modified car at 172 mph!
The 2017 Milwaukee Concours d’Elegance will showcase the complete range of XK Jaguars starting with one of the original aluminum alloy roadsters which went on to race in Argentina. This stunning car from the collection of Mike and Deb Korneli has been meticulously restored to its “as raced” appearance.
The XK series would receive upgrades evolving into the XK140 and ultimately end with the XK150. All of these models will be on display ending with an XK150S, the sportiest of XK150 series. This car will be coming to us from Jim and Lisa Hendrix from St. Louis, Missouri.
The two-day Milwaukee Concours d’Elegance is scheduled for the first weekend in August at Veterans Park. The open Show & Glow by the Lake car show, a motor tour and the annual Style & Speed Social are scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 5, followed by the Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, Aug. 6.
The Milwaukee Concours d’Elegance is hosted by The Masterpiece Ltd. The Masterpiece Ltd. is organized and operated exclusively to support other public charities including, but not limited to, those operating in southeastern Wisconsin which provide medical and social service care and relief to underprivileged children and families through various motor vehicle-related fundraising events.