Description
Description and highlights of this exemplar:
- Absolute icon of British motoring in the 1950s
- The iconic six-cylinder engine, elegance and performance of the era
- Fully documented restoration
- Sound example, ready to hit the road
Our Jaguar XK120 Cabriolet, first registered in 1953, now shows 400 km on the odometer. It is taxed in France.
This example presents in an elegant white exterior colour, paired with a red leather interior. The bodywork is in fairly good condition, with a repaint carried out about five years ago. The cabin is in good overall condition and presents well. The instruments operate correctly.
Driven by its six-cylinder petrol engine developing around 160 bhp, coupled to a manual gearbox, this XK120 offers an authentic driving experience faithful to the spirit of the great post‑war British sportscars. The mechanics have undergone a full restoration and run perfectly. No expense is to be expected.
Maintenance and restoration have been entrusted to a specialist in classic vehicles based in Orléans. Over the years, numerous jobs have been undertaken, including the engine, power steering, braking system, clutch, fuel system, electrics, exhaust, and the leather interior. The tyres show around 400 km.
Here are the most recent maintenance tasks and works carried out:
• Fully documented restoration (engine, running gear, braking, interior, peripherals)
Consumables are in very good condition.
No modifications have been made to this exemplar.
This Jaguar XK120 comes with its vehicle status certificate, invoices, a detailed restoration file, a photo album and a key.
Model history:
The Jaguar XK 120 was not just a simple entry into the post‑war automotive landscape; it was a bold statement from Jaguar, proclaiming their return to the world stage with unmatched style and performance. Unveiled at the London Motor Show in 1948, this iconic sports car quickly captured public admiration for its high speed, stunning aesthetics and surprisingly affordable price, setting a new benchmark for value in sports cars.
Under the elegant bonnet lay a new 3. 4‑litre inline six-cylinder engine capable of producing an impressive 160 horsepower—a feat that gave the XK 120 a top speed of 120 mph, making it the fastest production car in the world at the time. The model derived its name from this claimed top speed, with the ‘120’ denoting miles per hour achievable, a fact that inevitably fed the excitement of car enthusiasts.
On the race tracks, the XK 120 proved its mettle by securing numerous victories. Its power and reliability underscored Jaguar’s engineering excellence and cemented its heritage in the history of motorsport. With drivers like Stirling Moss at the wheel, it quickly became synonymous with competitive success.
Off the tracks, the XK 120 also attracted celebrities and glamorous personalities. Actors such as Clark Gable and Steve McQueen were known to be enthusiasts, further boosting its appeal. Moreover, the roadster captured the imagination of filmmakers, appearing in classic films such as “Gold Bars” in 1951, which only heightened its legendary status among car fans.
In terms of its influence on Jaguar itself, the XK 120 was pioneering. It laid down the template for future models with its elegant design language and high‑performance ethos, while remaining sufficiently affordable to keep Jaguar in excellent financial health.
Its enduring legacy is felt today as a vehicle that perfectly encapsulates the bold spirit of post‑war Britain, reflected strongly in its design and ingenuity.
