1954 | Jaguar XK 120 SE OTS

The Jaguar XK120 was first displayed as an open, 2-seater show car at the 1948 London Motor Show and caused a sensation, persuading Jaguar to make it available as a production car.

The car used the new XK engine designed by Jaguar Chief Engineer, William Heynes. The 3.4 litre, double overhead-cam, straight-six engine was advanced for its time, employing an alloy cylinder head, hemispherical combustion chambers and twin SU carburetors. Power for the standard model was given as 160 bhp @5,000 rpm, whilst the SE (Special Equipment) version - available from 1951 - claimed 180 bhp @5,300 rpm from the use of higher lift camshafts and twin exhaust pipes. This model also benefitted from stiffer suspension.

The XK120 was ultimately available in three body styles – the open 2-seater, then as a fixed head coupé from 1951 and finally as a drophead coupé from 1953. Whilst the earliest cars used a wood-framed body covered with aluminium panels, pressed-steel bodies were used from early 1950, retaining aluminium doors, bonnet and boot lid.

The XK120 SE offered here was built in July 1954 and, as an original LHD export model, was shipped to Hamburg, Germany. Per the Jaguar Heritage Trust records, it was originally finished in Pastel Blue, with Blue trim. We know nothing of the cars’ early history until it was acquired by a UK-based owner in 1989 and repatriated that year. At this point it appears the car was painted red. With a recorded mileage of around 68,000, the new owner embarked on a full restoration to original specification, using several specialist companies, over a period of 4 years, spending many £1000s. The only significant deviation from the original build being a change in colour scheme to the silver body and red interior seen here.

With only very limited use, this first owner kept the restored Jaguar until 1994, when it changed hands. The new owner held onto the car for nearly a quarter century, but again with very little use – an MOT certificate from 2005 shows just 69,902 miles. Purchased at auction by the current owner in 2018, the car has been kept in first rate condition with only a few further miles clocked up – the current mileage being a little under 72,000.

The substantial restoration record includes many receipts for the mechanical renovation and rebuild work completed. For example, the original Moss gearbox was entrusted to Hardy Engineering.

In excellent condition from all angles – paint finish, brightwork and wire wheels. The chassis and closed body area have been Waxoyled for lasting protection. The car is supplied with side screens.

The restored interior (completed by Suffolk & Turley) remains in near immaculate condition, with very little evidence to betray even limited use over the last 30 years.

This is a near-show condition example of the Special Equipment version of the XK120, in excellent fettle and ready to be cherished and used by a new keeper.

We have the Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate for the vehicle and a substantial record detailing the ‘90s restoration (which includes some photos).

UK registered, viewing can be arranged by appointment.