Big Fun, Small Package: Jaguar XK120 from Junior Cars

The XK120 from Junior Cars USA looks for all the world like a British  classic that’s been zapped with a shrink ray.

A couple of weeks back, I rode my Triumph Bonneville up to the 32nd-annual Western Washington All-British Field meet. Unfortunately, due to a scheduling conflict, I got there just as most of the folks were rolling out. That presented another entirely different kind of show, however, and it was neat to get to see all that lovely old British Iron in motion. Another benefit? My tardy arrival also provided an opportunity to talk to Brian Witz from Junior Cars USA, which produced the Le Mans-spec Jaguar XK120 model in these pics.

Now, if you’re anything like me, you dreamed about go karts and minicars as a kid. And if I’d seen this petite Jaguar in my younger years? There would have been nothing left of my still-developing brain, because it would have blown my mind. For the record, I know that’s true, because it blew my nearly 50-year old mind — and I drive other people’s fancy full-size cars for a living. In all honestly, it’s virtually impossible to describe just how awesome this baby is in person.

First off-the build quality is fantastic. The chassis is a box-frame steel unit, and it’s finished with a tough-feeling composite body which looks for all the world like shrunken sheet metal from mid-century Coventry.

Just like the real thing, it’s engine in the front, and the drive wheels are in the back, though it uses a chain instead of a driveshaft. Under the hood, there’s a 110cc four-stroke engine which produces 8 horsepower at 8,500 rpm, which is mated to a semi-automatic three-speed transmission. That’s enough poke to get this baby to 35 mph, which — even for a speed freak like yours truly —feels plenty fast when you’re behind the wheel. During my short test drive, I couldn’t stop smiling.

Importantly, there’s nothing rickety feeling about the ride, as the rack-and-pinion steering, fully independent suspension, and hydraulic Brembo brakes work together beautifully. I drove on both wet grass and dry pavement, and on either surface, the handling was solid and predictable. Given that I’m 6’3″ and tip the scales at around 200 pounds, it must feel like a rocket ship to an actual child. No detail has been overlooked here, as all the lighting works, the hood and trunk open, and the cockpit is finished with a leather dash, woodgrain wheel, and plush carpet. You can view the spec sheet here.

Along with the Jaguar XK120, Junior Cars USA also makes an E-Type,  Lotus Formula 1 racer, Aston Martin DB5, and Land Rover. Of course, the company isn’t limited to British classics, as it also has a Ferrari GTO, Daytona, and Mercedes 300 SL on the order books. For domestic fans, there’s even a Ford Bronco in the design stage. As you might imagine, these little cars aren’t cheap, as the cost of entry starts at $19,500, and goes up from there. But if you’re looking for something that will truly make you feel like a kid again? These things are just the ticket.