Jaguar XK120 Supersonic

Vehicle Overview

The Jaguar XK120 Supersonic stands as a rare and illustrious creation, born from the collaboration between Carrozzeria Ghia and the visionary designer Giovanni Savonuzzi. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, only three specimens of this automotive masterpiece were ever produced, each embodying the epitome of elegance and performance. Originally requested by Joseph Malpelli, a Lyon-based lingerie manufacturer and avid automotive enthusiast, the journey of the XK120 Supersonic began with a desire sparked by the sight of a Fiat 8V Supersonic at the Paris Salon in 1953. Attracted by Ghia’s Supersonic design, Malpelli commissioned Royal Elysees of Paris, the French Jaguar importers, to transform his 1952 XK120 coupe into a work of art reminiscent of the Fiat. Under the skilled hands of Carrozzeria Ghia, the XK120 underwent a stunning metamorphosis, emerging with a sleek and aerodynamic body that captivated onlookers. The chassis number 679768, originally built as a coupe in 1953 by Jaguar, was reborn with the Supersonic build, its engine refined by Conrero and equipped with three Weber twin carburetors for enhanced performance. In 1954, the XK120 Supersonic made its debut at the Paris Motor Show, clad in resplendent white, garnering admiration and acclaim. Alongside its white counterpart, a red variant, equally striking in appearance, graced the floors of the London Motor Show, showcasing the timeless allure of its design. A third iteration of the Supersonic, cloaked in a distinctive blue hue, purportedly found its way into the hands of Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) for actress Lana Turner, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to its storied history. Despite their unique characteristics, all three Supersonic Jaguar XK120s converged at the Cannes Concours d’élégance in August 1954, where the white car claimed the coveted Best of Show title, solidifying its place in automotive lore. However, the journey of these automotive icons was not without its challenges. Financial woes plagued Malpelli, leading to the repossession of the red car by Royal Elysees in 1969, while the blue car languished in storage during the tumultuous years of the 1960s and 1970s. Ultimately, the legacy of the Jaguar XK120 Supersonic endures as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its creators, a symbol of timeless beauty and innovation in the annals of automotive history.