1953 Jaguar XK120 SE OTS
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Highlights
• Stunning Lavender Grey/ Green interior combo
• Fully restored in 2010, with rebuilt engine and brand new roof
• Mille Miglia eligible
• Matching numbers example
The Background
The highly desirable Jaguar XK120 was manufactured from 1948-1954 in Coventry, United Kingdom. It was revealed in ‘48 as a prototype roadster and created an incredible amount of excitement. Soon after, with a few amendments, Jaguar put the XK into production.
The sensational two seater sports car was given the ‘120’ label as homage to it’s 120mph top speed. Making it the fastest production car in the world at the time of its launch.
The sensational two seater sports car was given the ‘120’ label as homage to it’s 120mph top speed. Making it the fastest production car in the world at the time of its launch.
This sublime classic was available in three body types - Roadster, fixed head coupe and drophead coupe. Most versions were LHD and made their way to the US. The first 242 were all roadsters, hand built, aluminum bodied but as demand increased, Jag moved to steel bodies with aluminum doors and bonnet.
A 3.4L straight 6 engine was used, advanced for its time and made a lasting impression, being developed and staying in production until the early 90’s. This engine helped the XK120 make waves in the race world including Mille Miglia, Silverstone, Le Mans and The Alpine Rally.
Our car offered here is the very desirable Roadster or Open Two Seater as it is also known. It is also the sought after 'Special Equipment' or 'SE' model that came with the uprated engine, dual exhausts and wire wheels as standard.
Our car offered here is the very desirable Roadster or Open Two Seater as it is also known. It is also the sought after 'Special Equipment' or 'SE' model that came with the uprated engine, dual exhausts and wire wheels as standard.
The History
Up until recently, this gorgeous vehicle has spent its entire life in California, USA where it was owned by XKs Unlimited, a classic Jag specialist. It was completely restored by XK Unlimited prior to it’s import to an incredible standard, which was taken further by the current owner with an engine rebuild and new drop top canvas.
This LHD car has seen very little use in the UK, mainly kept covered in a garage, safe and secure, keeping the rare lavender grey paint amongst other things protected from the elements.
The paperwork
Some history is present, all of which from it’s arrival in the UK, including the £8,430 recent engine rebuild and 123 ignition install.
Confirmation of the vehicle's registration in the UK is also present - the Washington plates are just for show.
Confirmation of the vehicle's registration in the UK is also present - the Washington plates are just for show.
The Exterior
Simply put, the exterior on this XK120 is sublime. The lavender grey and chrome detailing are sensational, it looks absolutely fabulous in the British sun.
The restoration in the US has been done to a great standard. Head to toe, top to bottom, wire wheel to wire wheel, this car is sophisticated perfection.
The sidescreens are wrapped up safe and probably have been since its restoration and the canvas roof has been recently renewed here in the UK too. No sign of anything unwanted on the metal.
This is a showroom condition car.
The restoration in the US has been done to a great standard. Head to toe, top to bottom, wire wheel to wire wheel, this car is sophisticated perfection.
The sidescreens are wrapped up safe and probably have been since its restoration and the canvas roof has been recently renewed here in the UK too. No sign of anything unwanted on the metal.
This is a showroom condition car.
The Interior
Perfection unsurprisingly continues inside with suede green interior, green leather seats, dash and matching green carpet are in perfect condition, the combination of these and the lavender paint is delightful, it brings an even more elegant feel to an already signified classic.
This car is truly impeccable inside and out, including under the bonnet, boot and underneath.
This car is truly impeccable inside and out, including under the bonnet, boot and underneath.
The Mechanics
A recent engine rebuild helps reinforce the quality of this car, the current owner wanted to ensure every nut and bolt was how it should be.
From that rebuild the car has done almost zero miles, only being started and moved on to a trailer and for the attached photographs. A new ignition system was also installed to help with starting.
The 3.4L roars proudly, still ticking over confidently and still sending shivers down the spines of onlookers, just like it did 68 years ago.
From that rebuild the car has done almost zero miles, only being started and moved on to a trailer and for the attached photographs. A new ignition system was also installed to help with starting.
The 3.4L roars proudly, still ticking over confidently and still sending shivers down the spines of onlookers, just like it did 68 years ago.
The Appeal
XK120’s already come with such huge appeal but this one is special. The colour pairing, lavender and green is a match made in heaven, with sparkling chrome to set it off even further.
The great bodywork restoration and complete engine rebuild mean there’s nothing left to do but to enjoy the car, whether you chose to drive it or put it on display it will remind you just how good the ‘good ol’ days were.
The great bodywork restoration and complete engine rebuild mean there’s nothing left to do but to enjoy the car, whether you chose to drive it or put it on display it will remind you just how good the ‘good ol’ days were.
You cannot ignore this huge opportunity to own an exquisite XK120 and a piece of automotive history.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1953
- Make Jaguar
- Model XK120
- Colour Lavender Grey
- Odometer 18,800 Miles
- Engine size 3442
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Devon
- Country United Kingdom
19
bids
- ti•••• £85,500 11/08/21
- ta•••• £85,000 11/08/21
- go•••• £83,000 11/08/21
- ca•••• £81,000 11/08/21
- go•••• £79,000 10/08/21
- Zi•••• £76,000 10/08/21
- ne•••• £75,000 10/08/21
- go•••• £69,000 10/08/21
- Gr•••• £64,000 10/08/21
- ro•••• £63,000 09/08/21
The Gallery
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|---|---|
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