1954 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

3,442cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
160bhp at 5,000rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Multiple JCNA Concours Winner finished in period-appropriate Old English White over Red
*Fitted with desirable touring upgrades such as 5-speed gearbox and alloy radiator
*Comprehensive restoration performed in 2011 and regularly serviced since
*Offered with Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, original owner's manual, tool roll and tire pump


THE JAGUAR XK120

"We claimed 120 mph (for the XK 120), a speed unheard of for a production car in those days." - William Heynes, Chief Engineer, Jaguar Cars.

The XK120 debuted at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show where the stunning-looking Roadster caused a sensation. The resulting demand for what was then the world's fastest production car taking Jaguar by surprise, Jaguar had no choice but to think again about the XK120's method of construction. The work of Jaguar boss, William Lyons himself, the stunningly beautiful body had been conceived in aluminum for the simple reason that Jaguar expected to sell very few, so soon after in conjunction with the Pressed Steel Fisher Company, a new all-steel paneled body was developed. The body retained the fabulous looks of the original, while differing in minor external details.

The XK120's heart was, of course, the fabulous XK engine, which had been developed during the war and was intended for Jaguar's forthcoming Mark VII saloon. A 3.4-liter "six" embodying the best of modern design, it boasted twin overhead camshafts running in an aluminum-alloy cylinder head, seven main bearings, and a maximum output of 160bhp. It went into a chassis that was essentially a shortened version of the simultaneously announced Mark V saloon's, featuring William Heynes' torsion bar independent front suspension. Jaguar lost no time in demonstrating that the XK120's claimed top speed was no idle boast. In May of 1949, on the Jabbeke to Aeltre autoroute, an example with its hood and side screens in place recorded a speed of 126mph and 132mph with the hood and windscreen detached and an under-tray fitted.

The XK120 set new standards of comfort, handling, and performance for British sports cars and, in keeping with the Jaguar tradition, there was nothing to touch it at the price. Coupe and Drophead Coupe versions followed, and for customers who found the standard car too slow, there was the Special Equipment (SE) package which boosted power to 180bhp. With either engine, and regardless of the type of bodywork, the XK120 was a genuine 120mph car capable of sustained high-speed cruising.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This beautiful XK120 Roadster - or Open Two-Seater as officially called in the day - first roared to life inside Jaguar's Coventry facility on April 1, 1954, towards the very end of XK120 production. Originally finished in Birch Grey over an interior trimmed in red, this left-hand drive Roadster was destined for the US market and was dispatched to Hoffman Motor Car Company in New York on April 9, 1954. The car has likely remained within the United States since.

The XK120 was later treated to a full body-off restoration finished in 2011 by Colorado-based Mountain View Restorations. The restoration involved taking the car apart and soda blasting parts down to bare metal. Then, reassembling it and perfecting the fit of the fenders, doors, hood, trunk lid and their latching mechanisms. Then the car was taken apart again, and the individual pieces painted. While that was being done the engine - a correct 3.4-Liter unit from a later XK150 - was overhauled, the frame was stripped and painted, and mechanical systems were overhauled (brakes, suspension, cooling, exhaust, electrical, etc.) and the modifications for the new 5-speed transmission were made. Lastly, after the body and frame were back together, a new interior and top by BAS Ltd was installed.

Once completed, the Jaguar would go on to tour the Western US Concours fields, and rack up many Best in Show, People's Choice, and Best in Class awards. Many of them JCNA (Jaguar Clubs of North America) nationally sanctioned shows, and the run was topped by winning the Southwest Regional Championship (Best XK120 in the Southwest US) and becoming a JCNA champion in 2012 with 99.65 points scored of 100 possible.

Today this XK120 is well-sorted throughout and ready to be enjoyed by its next owner, on spirited open-air drives, touring events, or car shows. Fitted with chrome wire-wheels shod on correct fresh Michelin tires, the car looks just right. The Jaguar-issued Heritage Trust Certificate accompanies the car along with an original owner's manual, tool roll and tire pump. Offered from a prominent Florida-based collection of show winning European sportscars, this spectacular XK120 Roadster offers a great opportunity to acquire a both stunningly beautiful and engaging driver's car, eligible for various prominent events.