1954 Jaguar XK120 Fixed Head Coupé

• Striking FHC from final year of production
• California delivered
• Electronic ignition and front disc brakes fitted
• Rosso Corsa over beige leather
• From long-term ownership

With the horrors of war blissfully over and sights firmly set on a brighter future, the newly re-branded Jaguar Cars tentatively returned to the world of sports cars in 1948 with the XK 120 - a sublime two-seat roadster debuting the venerable straight-six 'XK' engine. So-named for its 120mph top speed, the XK120 was conceived as a one-off showstopper to debut this new engine at Britain's first post-war motor show, but its reception was so rapturous that a limited run of production cars was confirmed. In 1949 Clark Gable took delivery of the first of 240 examples, notable for their lightweight ash-framed bodies with aluminium panels. Body construction was switched to steel when the XK 120 OTS (Open Two-Seater) was confirmed for series production in 1950, with a Fixed-Head Coupé now available. The XK120 had become the darling of the jet-set and was proven to be the world's fastest production car, achieving an officially timed two-way average of 132.6mph on Belgium's Ostend-Jabbeke motorway.

Being among the final XK120s built in 1954 before the updated XK140 was introduced, this left-hand drive Californian delivered XK120 FHC has been subtly updated and wears a striking shade of Ferrari Rosso Corsa over a beige leather interior. Subtle upgrades to improve usability include an electronic ignition conversion, a new fuel tank, new radiator (Black holland), new clutch, front disc brakes, full stainless steel exhaust system; the gearbox bearings have been revised and four new rims with Kenlowe tyres have been added. The original drum brakes and ignition system will come with the car. Maintenance work has been carried out by RetroCars in Namur, who have a full record on their file, and the vehicle has current Belgian registration document.