1958 Jaguar Custom

In 1957 Gordon Parker, a wealthy Englishman commissioned Herbert Kingsbury (HK), an engineer to create the HK Special Jaguar. The final product included a XK-120 3.5L, inline-6 motor, parallel twin Arnott superchargers, and a fiberglass body. Weighing under 1,900 lbs and producing over 410 Horsepower, this was one of the best power to weight ratios of it’s time.    

Gordon's vision was to set the fastest time at The Brighton National Speed Trials, which he completed in 1961-62 season. The HK Special ran a 24.63 second Kilometer from a standing start. After achieving his goal, Gordon raced the HK in numerous hill climb events, which are a staple to British sports car history.

We  found out from a man who worked at the Jaguar factory, that Sir William Lyons commissioned Brian Lister to create two frames for engine test bed services. One was the specially-prepared Ecurie Ecosse Lister Jaguar in 1958. The second frame was unused at the factory, Gordon Parker bought the second frame to make the HK Special-Jaguar

The third owner was a french collector by the name of Anthony Charnock. He raced the HK Special in the LeMans Speed Trials in 1971. The vehicle was then retired and displayed in the LeMans Museum.

It was removed from the museum and the car had not seen the light of day until 2001. The car was last purchased in 2001, and went through a 5 year restoration. Upon completion, the HK Special was displayed at the Lime Rock Park in Connecticut.

Specifications:

• XK-120 - 3.5 Liter Jaguar Engine

• 6 - Cylinder

• Twin Arnott Superchargers - 10 lbs. PSI

• 2 - SU Carburettors

• Lucas magneto

• 4-Speed Wilson - Pre-selector gearbox

• Independent front suspension, Dion independent rear suspension

• Alfin Rear Drum Brakes

• Disc Front Brakes

• Very early fiberglass body

• Chassis # 151235

• Engine # W2953-8

• Body # BHL 126

• Gearbox # 3466

• Build Date: 6-14-1958

• Mileage: TMU​

Hill Climb Events:

Wins: Prescott Hill, Shelsey-Walsch, Harewood, Wiscombe, Loton Park, Gt. Auclum

Other: Debden, Gosport, Boreham, Oulton Park, and Brands Hatch

Showings & Awards:

• Displayed @ LeMans Museum

• Displayed @ Lime Rock Race Park - 2006

• Amelia Island - 2007 Concours d’Elegance

• Greenwich -  2007 Concours d’Elegance

  • Best in Class

  • Best Race Car