1953 | Jaguar XK 120 OTS

This is a perfect car for open top on the Continent European touring. This original matching numbers LHD Jaguar XK120 OTS is a true California car dispatched on the 3rd of March 1953 to Hornburg on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. Charles H Hornburg established the LA Jaguar dealership in 1947 and played a key role in introducing the Jaguar brand to the United States market after World War II as the very first Jaguar importer and dealership.

This stunning XK comes with a very well documented history that gives the car some wonderful provenance. By 1964 the car was in Miami, Florida owned by a Mr Smith who had a keen interest in sports cars. The paperwork confirms the XK at the time was the fastest car he could afford and four years into ownership he removed the engine and enhanced it for increaed performance. The block was taken to an engineer who bored out the cylinders by .040" and fitted high compression pistons along with high lift camshafts. This engine work allowed Mr Smith to better his time at Time Trial races he competed in during the 1960's. Around the same time as the engine work was done the transmission was completely rebuilt, the leaf springs were reinforced, and the hood support was moved to the front of the engine to reduce flex when propped open. As well as time trials the car was used daily to get to and from work, but in 1973, Mr Swift had a new fascination with Ferrari's and bought a new Dino.

Having had a fantastic nine years of daily use and time trials, the XK120 was then parked up, unused and garaged for 25 years. Following this long period of ownership, the XK embarked on a transatlantic arriving in the Netherlands, via Antwerp in 1998. Whilst in Holland, the XK120 was subject to a comprehensive body off restoration that has been beautifully captured in a detailed photo album. After its long period of storage, the engine was removed and sent away to the UK where VSE the renowned Jaguar Engine specialists carried out a full rebuild on the unit. The body was rebuilt and fully repainted in its lovely Champagne colour which holds a deep finish, testament to the quality of the program of work. Black wire wheels were fitted giving a beautiful finishing touch contrasted against the bright chromework found throughout. The interior was retrimmed in beautiful Burgundy offering a truly classy appearance against the Champagne body.

In 2016, 356 UYS arrived back in the U.K. for the first time in 63 years. 9 years of ownership, and just 16,000 miles since its outstanding restoration, this XK represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a stunning LHD Jaguar XK120 OTS perfect for overseas touring. There is no doubt this is a beautiful example of a Jaguar XK120 OTS with a fantastic story, and history. With just 16,000 miles completed since its first-class body-off restoration it presents superbly and drives remarkably well. Accompanying the car is a detailed photographic record of the restoration and engine rebuild, a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, and an original XK120 sales brochure.