UK vs West Germany — 1948 vs 1956
| XK120 Roadster | 507 Roadster | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 160 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque | — | 172 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 3,442 cc | 3,168 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 9.0 sec |
| Top Speed | — | 137 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 16.2 sec |
| Weight | — | 2,932 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,590 mm | 2,480 mm |
| Length | 4,420 mm | 4,380 mm |
| Units Produced | 7,612 | 252 |
| Original MSRP | — | $9,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $280,000 | $3,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1948 Jaguar XK120 Roadster brings better value to the table, and the 1956 BMW 507 Roadster answers with greater rarity, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between UK and West Germany automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1948 Jaguar XK120 Roadster versus 1956 BMW 507 Roadster is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1948 Jaguar XK120 Roadster producing 160 hp and the 1956 BMW 507 Roadster delivering 150 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Jaguar XK120 uses a Inline-6 displacing 3,442 cc, while the BMW 507 relies on a V8 OHV with 3,168 cc. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 252 units built, the 1956 BMW 507 Roadster is considerably scarcer than the Jaguar XK120's 7,612 examples. On the collector market, the 1956 BMW 507 Roadster commands a significant premium over the 1948 Jaguar XK120 Roadster, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1956 BMW 507 Roadster rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.