Description
The ex-Jack Sears
1954 Jaguar XK120 Coupé
Registration no. DVV 200
Chassis no. S669125
* Driven by Jack Sears throughout the 1954 season
* One of only 194 right-hand drive XK120 fixed-head coupés
* Euros 10. 000,— spent on mechanical recommissioning in the last 12 months
* Fordwater Trophy participant
* Alpenrallye and BCCM participant in 2026
* Mille Miglia registred
Although it had not been designed with racing in mind, the XK120's competition potential was immediately obvious, not least to the factory, which entered a three-car team in the Daily Express one-hour race for standard production cars at Silverstone in August 1949. The XK's of Leslie Johnson and Peter Walker duly rewarded Jaguar's faith in its new sports car by finishing 1st and 2nd respectively, thus setting the scene for an illustrious competition career that would culminate in the development of the legendary Le Mans-winning C-Type.
One of only 194 right-hand drive XK120 fixed-head coupés built, this example was bought new by famous racing driver the late Jack Sears, who would go on to win the inaugural British Saloon Car Championship in 1958 and regain the title in 1963, in addition to drives for the BMC Works, Tommy Sopwith's Equipe Endeavour, Willment and Maranello Concessionaires teams, the latter who he drove for at Le Mans. Driven by him in the RAC Rally and at Goodwood, Snetterton, and various hill climb venues, the XK comes with a detailed list of Jack's results for 1954. 'DVV 200' is mentioned and pictured in Sears' biography, Gentleman Jack, and has appeared in numerous other publications devoted to the marque, including The Jaguar XKs by Paul Skilleter and Original Jaguar XK by Philip Porter.
In the 1970s, 'DVV 200' was bought another notable racing driver and Le Mans competitor, by Peter Sargent and his brother Michael. Michael Sargent did not race the XK but owned it for some 20-plus years. I acquired the car from the last German owner in 2025 who purchased the car at Bonhams.
In the last years over £30, 000 spent on the mechanical recommissioning engine over the with renowned marque specialists CKL Developments Ltd. Noteworthy features include 2" sand-cast SU carburettors, D-Type cams, and 9. 1 compression ratio a high-torque starter motor. The original Moss gearbox and drum brakes are retained, as is the original 'sprint' rear axle. Accompanying documentation includes an old-style logbook, sundry invoices dating back to the 1970's, a Heritage Certificate, MoT history, a V5C Registration Certificate, current FIA HTP papers, and numerous period photographs, some signed by Jack Sears.
'DVV 200' Raced in the Fordwater Trophy event at the Goodwood Revival in 2018, was invited to the 2023 Membership Meeting and is surely going to be a welcome invitee in the future. It is also Mille Miglia registered so to go for the 100 year edition next year.
