Highlights

Right-hand-drive example with documented ownership history from new
In current ownership for over 25 years
Restored in 2012 with continued specialist maintenance thereafter
Supported by a Jaguar Heritage Certificate confirming original build details
Retains its original operating and maintenance handbook

The Appeal

The XK120 was the car that put Jaguar on the world stage. Launched in 1948 as the fastest production car of its day, it married William Lyons's flowing coachwork with the brilliant new twin-cam XK engine to devastating effect. Right-hand drive examples, always outnumbered by the left-hand drive cars built for the lucrative American export market, are particularly sought after today.

This early Open Two Seater was manufactured at Browns Lane on 15 January 1951 and delivered new the following month by Appleyards of Bradford, one of the era's most prominent Jaguar dealerships. Its provenance is confirmed by a Jaguar Heritage Certificate, which records the original specification of Silver with Red upholstery and a Gunmetal hood. The car's history from new is documented, tracing ownership from its first keeper in West Yorkshire through a small number of custodians to the current owner, who has held the car since May 2001.

During that quarter-century of stewardship, the XK120 has benefited from a restoration in 2012, encompassing bodywork, mechanical overhaul and detail improvements, followed by a cylinder head rebuild by respected specialist Guy Broad in 2017. Throughout, the car has been regularly maintained by Peter Ockwell of A. S. Ockwell Ltd near Cardiff. It comes to market as a well-sorted, usable example of one of the most important British sports cars ever made.

History and Paperwork

Manufactured 15 January 1951 and delivered new 12 February 1951 by Appleyards of Bradford
First registered to George Oldroyd of Batley, West Yorkshire
Recommissioned and re-registered circa 1993
Jaguar Heritage Certificate issued January 1993, confirming original build specification
Subsequent registered keepers include Nigel Forsyth of Hampshire (1993–1997) and Tony Gomersall of Northampton (late 1990s–2001)
Current ownership since May 2001
Record of servicing and specialist maintenance on file
MOT/road tax exempt
9,070 miles (indicated)

The Condition

The vendor describes the car as being in beautiful condition
Body dry-stripped, repaired where necessary and refinished as part of the 2012 restoration
Now finished in White, having originally left the factory in Silver
A pair of original spats sourced and fitted
Five Pirelli Cinturato tyres fitted in 2016

Originally finished in Silver, this early right-hand-drive XK120 now wears White following a 2012 restoration, during which the body was dry-stripped, repaired where necessary and refinished. A pair of original rear spats has since been sourced and fitted, preserving the roadster’s classic flowing silhouette, and it rides on five Pirelli Cinturato tyres fitted in 2016. Described by the vendor as being in beautiful condition, the car has been regularly inspected and maintained by Peter Ockwell of A. S. Ockwell Ltd near Cardiff.

The Mechanics

3.4-litre twin-cam XK petrol engine
Four-speed manual gearbox
Comprehensive mechanical overhaul carried out in 2012, addressing carburettors, cooling system, electrics, suspension, brakes, timing and gearbox
Replacement starter motor fitted
Odyssey battery fitted
Electric cooling fan added
Carburettor adjustments carried out as part of ongoing maintenance

The 2012 restoration included a comprehensive mechanical overhaul covering the carburettors, cooling system, electrics, suspension, brakes, timing and gearbox, along with a new exhaust system. A lightened flywheel and clutch followed in 2013, and Guy Broad rebuilt the cylinder head in 2017. Further upgrades include a replacement starter motor, an Odyssey battery and an electric cooling fan.

NB: This vehicle is securely stored with one of our trusted partners. Buyers receive complimentary storage for up to five calendar days following the sale. Starting on day six, a fee of £20 per day will apply. To ensure a seamless handover, your contact details will be shared directly with the facility to coordinate any potential storage invoicing and collection.

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