LOT 115
1953 Jaguar XK120 SE Roadster Chassis no. S 673517 Engine no. W-7346-8S (See Text)
Estimate: US$90,000 - US$120,000
Lot 115
1953 Jaguar XK120 SE Roadster
1953 Jaguar XK120 SE Roadster
Chassis no. S 673517
Engine no. W-7346-8S (See Text)
Chassis no. S 673517
Engine no. W-7346-8S (See Text)
3,442cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
180bhp at 5,200rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Rare and desirable factory 'Special Equipment' XK120 Roadster
*Stylish and factory-correct British Racing Green over Biscuit livery
*Equipped with its numbers matching engine block
*Beautifully restored example documented by Heritage Trust Certificate
*Eligible for a host of international tours and driving events
THE JAGUAR XK120
Conceived and constructed in just a few months, 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. With orders rolling in apace, Jaguar had no choice but to think again about the XK120's method of construction. The body had been conceived as a coachbuilt, aluminum paneled structure for the simple reason that Jaguar expected to sell no more than 200 XK120s in the first year! In conjunction with the Pressed Steel Fisher Company a new all-steel paneled body was developed, which retained the fabulous looks of the coachbuilt original while differing in minor external details. Beneath the skin the steel car considerably different, and it would take some 20 months of development before manufacture could begin.
The XK120's heart was, of course, the fabulous XK engine, developed during the war and 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 cylinder head, seven main bearings and a 160bhp rating. The chassis was essentially a shortened version of the simultaneously announced Mark V saloon's, featuring William Heynes's torsion bar independent front suspension. Jaguar lost no time in demonstrating that the XK120's claimed top speed was no idle boast. In May 1949, on the Jabbeke to Aeltre autoroute, an example with its hood and side screens in place recorded speeds of 126mph, and then 132mph with the hood and windscreen detached and an under-tray fitted.
The XK120 set new standards of comfort, roadholding and performance for British sports cars and, in keeping with the Jaguar tradition, there was nothing to touch it at the price. For customers who found the standard car too slow, there was the Special Equipment (SE) package which boosted power to 180bhp. The XK120 was produced until 1954 and would prove to be the most popular of the XK series, with 12,078 examples built, of which 2,194 were left-hand drive SE Roadsters like that offered here.
THE CAR OFFERED
Splendid in its factory-correct British Racing Green over Tan livery and tan convertible top, this XK120 is a desirable, fully restored roadster in high-performance SE trim. According to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate accompanying this XK, this car was dispatched in February 1953, destined for Jaguar's West Coast distributor, Charles Hornberg of Los Angeles, California. Photos on file show that, prior to its restoration, it looked remarkably solid and complete. It has subsequently been completely restored by some of the best marque experts, and is presented today as it left the works, in the classic combination of 'BRG' with tan upholstery. It rolls on chrome wire wheels shod with period-style black-wall tires to complete the fantastic aesthetic. Much of the restoration work was performed by carefully selected specialists, including XK's Unlimited, who completed the engine and transmission. Paint and bodywork were handled by Saccio Enterprises of San Diego, with the interior being completed by Westminster Auto Upholstery in Anaheim, CA and finally the convertible top was expertly crafted by K&H Auto Upholstery from Garden Grove, CA.
Per the accompanying Heritage Certificate, this it does retain its numbers-matching engine block; however, the cylinder head is a period replacement. The original cylinder head will accompany the vehicle as will the tool kit, jack and fresh side curtains. The engine compartment is detailed to a similarly high standard, with signature details like polished alloy cam covers and intake. Eligible for a host of international driving events, this lovely example of Jaguar's iconic XK Roadster model, finished in one of the most ideal liveries, deserves serious consideration and would be a fitting addition to many collectors' garages.
Additional information
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