Highlights

Very well-presented XK120 with older extensive restoration
Factory built XK120 ‘Special Equipment’ originally supplied with upgrades
Restoration included engine rebuild and chassis work
Uprated to 3.8L engine capacity and 5spd manual gearbox
Interior fully retrimmed in cream leather in 2023
Recent 50+ checkpoint inspection report carried out in spring 2026

The Appeal

We can only imagine the scene on one October day in 1948 at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre when Jaguar pulled the covers off this car, the XK120. Long, low, sculptural and quite unlike anything that had gone before or was even being built at the time, it marked the start of a bold new post-war world and cemented Jaguar’s future success.

Beneath that prancing bonnet was the firm’s new XK engine, which would go on to power Jaguar’s Le Mans winners. It also pushed this car, the sporting-orientated OTS, to the 120mph that gave it it’s name and title as the world’s fastest production car. Both were achieved at Jebbeke in Belgium, the first by Ron ‘Soapy’ Sutton and the second by Jaguar’s famed test driver, Norman Dewis. To celebrate these achievements, each factory OTS received a dashboard plaque.

This pretty USA LHD 1954 OTS’s dashboard still wears that historic brass plaque. It thankfully was kept in place following the car’s extensive restoration 10 years ago, during which the body was restored, the car repainted and the cream interior retrimmed. We’re told that the engine was also fully rebuilt.

A useful JDHT certificate confirms that this car left the factory as a ‘Special Equipment’ model (also know as M suffix). These cars featured high-lift camshafts, a lightened flywheel, and a dual exhaust system. These improvements boosted the standard 160 bhp to roughly 180–190 bhp. The SE models also received uprated torsion bars and stiffer rear springs to improve handling and could be easily identified by their chrome wire wheels.

As you can see in the photos, the car presents at a very high level. Less obviously, it is fitted with a 3.8L engine and useful 5spd gearbox, both improvements that extend its performance and make it much more usable in modern traffic.

The condition is supported by a 50-point inspection report conducted in early 2026. A JDHT certificate also enables buyers to check the car’s provenance.

With all the recent work and that useful independent inspection, this is a very tidy and sorted late-model XK120 that warrants a closer look.

History and Paperwork

1954 model year Jaguar XK 120 OTS
JDHT certificate confirms build date, specification and original destination
Originally supplied to USA
Spent time in Germany before being registered in France in 2021
Registered in France with FFVE collection registration document
Current ownership since February 2021
Invoices for the restoration reported to be available
50-point Inspection report March–April 2026, available on request
Certificate of sale from 2021 purchase available showing mileage on purchase
Jaguar Heritage certificate as shown
Odometer shows 25,000 miles (not warranted)
Odometer reportedly replaced or gone around the clock so total figure is higher
No MOT required due to the car's 1954 registration date and FFVE collection status
Various invoices as shown
VIN number S676056
Registration document

The Condition

Restored around 10 years ago in red over light beige leather interior
Paintwork presents well with only very light points of age due to older repaint
Paintwork slightly worn in places but nothing serious according to seller
Very small minor dent on the driver's side door, in the curve of the door
Features bonnet strap and supplied with tonneau
Chrome wire wheels in good order with quality Vredestein tyres fitted
Light tan roof and side screens in good working order as shown
Soft top changed a few years ago, with side supports
Soft top mechanism reported to work well
Leather upholstery, all carpets, boot lining, and dashboard retrimmed in 2023
Beige leather in very good order with contrast ‘piping to door cards
Front seats feature lap belts as shown
Brown carpets match piping and present well as shown
Seat mounting brackets on the floor sandblasted and epoxy painted
The vendor rates the interior as like new
No corrosion reported according to seller
The vendor describes the overall condition as good but not concours

The Mechanics

Factory supplied as a ‘SE’ M suffix car as detailed above
Vendor reports car is fitted with 3,800cc XK straight-six engine
Upgraded to 5-speed manual gearbox fitted by specialist Cecil's Cars in 2021–2022
Gearbox replaces original 4-speed unit
Two new coupled batteries fitted
Brakes and tyres reported to be in good condition
Some oil seepage present, described by the vendor as normal for Jaguars of this era
The vendor reports that mechanically everything works correctly
We are told that the car drives very well

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.