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A 120 Jaguar XK1948, a true automotive relic, was destroyed after a distracted driver veered into the opposite lane. Learn more about the accident and its impact on collectors and enthusiasts!
Earlier last month, an irresponsible driver caused a heartbreaking scene for classic car lovers. The rare Jaguar XK120 from 1948, one of the first models to come off the production line production, was severely damaged in an accident at Austria.
Giuseppe Cerbone and Nicolo Bottini Bongrani, two Italian drivers, were preparing for the Mille Miglia when their vehicle was hit by a driver who, according to witnesses, was distracted by her cell phone.
The Incident Caused by the Driver
Cerbone and Bongrani were driving along Schwail Landesstraße, a quiet road in Austria, when it all happened. According to the local publication Kronen Zeitung, a woman coming in the opposite direction swerved and collided head-on with the Jaguar, destroying its front end.
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In a video recorded shortly after the accident and published on the social network X, the driver is seen apologizing to the drivers, saying “I'm sorry” in response to accusations of inattention made by one of the Italians.
Although the impact of the accident was impressive, the pilots escaped with minor injuries, although they were seen with bloody faces, which highlighted the severity of the impact.
What is the Mille Miglia Warm-Up?
The Mille Miglia is a historic endurance race that takes place annually in Italy, attracting competitors and vintage car enthusiasts from all over the world. However, before the main event, “warm-ups” are held in different countries.
These warm-ups are designed to allow competitors to test their cars and hone their driving skills on a variety of roads. Cerbone and Bongrani were participating in these events when the accident occurred, which will likely affect their participation in future warm-ups if the Jaguar is not recovered.
Accident damage to the Jaguar XK120
Cerbone and Bongrani's Jaguar XK120 suffered significant damage, particularly to the front end. The XK120 is known for being one of Jaguar's most iconic models, being the brand's first vehicle to reach the speed of 120 mph, which befits its name.
In the case of the damaged Jaguar, there was an even more special detail: it was one of the 1948 models with an aluminum body, a rarity among the XK120, which began to be produced in steel from 1950 onwards.
An XK120 in normal condition and without any accidents already has a high value on the collectors' market, around US$ 100.000.
However, early aluminum models, such as those by Cerbone and Bongrani, can be worth up to three times more due to their rarity and distinctive design, as assessed by Hagerty, a renowned classic vehicle insurer.
The future for Pilots
With the accident, Cerbone and Bongrani must now evaluate the possibilities of recovering or replacing the vehicle if they intend to compete in the 2025 Mille Miglia, scheduled for June. Even if the car's structure can be restored, the process could take months and require a significant investment.
However, with nine months remaining until the race, the drivers have some time to look for alternatives.
Alternatively, they could try to acquire another XK120 model or, if the vehicle is well insured, finance the restoration. This will be a challenging task, as repairing a car with such a rare history as the Mille Miglia requires specific care and investment.
Although the incident did not result in any serious injuries, the loss of a 120 Jaguar XK1948 is significant to the world of motorsport.
The case reinforces the importance of avoiding distractions while driving, especially on roads where other drivers also depend on safe and attentive driving.
