
Toby Wilson
Head of Department
LOT 428
1953 Jaguar XK120 SE Roadster Registration no. 211 UYH Chassis no. S674330 Engine no. F1133-8
According to its accompanying Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate, his left-hand drive Jaguar XK120 SE was built in November 1953 and shipped to Jaguar's United States West Coast distributor Charles Hornburg in Los Angeles. The car's original colour scheme was British Racing Green with tan interior and gunmetal sort-top. The original owner's name is not recorded but it is understood that he was a racing driver who repainted the XK red and kept the car until 1959, by which time it had covered some 17,000 miles. The car was then sold to Mr Joe Rogers of Walnut Creek, California, who would cherish his beloved XK for the next 55 years, keeping it out of wet weather and preserving its originality.
Sold because of Mr Rogers' advancing years, the Jaguar was brought back to the UK in 2015, sold at auction and subsequently fully restored by its new owner, including a re-spray in the original British Racing Green livery. Additionally, the engine was rebuilt; the electrics rewired; the suspension overhauled; new wire wheels fitted; a stainless exhaust installed; and a Guy Broad five-speed gearbox fitted. (The original four-speed Moss gearbox is included in the sale.) Dating back to 2015, the history file contains a State of California Certificate of Title; a V5C registration document; invoices and photographs of the restoration; and the aforementioned Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate.
Vendor Score Total: 73 /100
Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.
Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well
EXTERIOR TOTAL: 20 /25
Body Work: 4
Paint: 4
Glass: 4
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 4
Wheels/Tyres: 4
RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 17 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 5
Axles: 4
Suspension: 4
Brakes: 4
INTERIOR TOTAL: 12 /20
Seats: 3
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 3
Headlining: 3
Trim: 3
ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 6 /10
Main components: 3
Ancillary components: 3
ENGINE TOTAL: 15 /20
Starting: 4
Running: 4
Under Bonnet: 3
Mechanical components: 4
Car History File: 3

















































Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialist
Head of Department