1954 Jaguar XK 120
Desirable SE (Special Equipment) 180bhp model, Mille Miglia Eligible-
Year of manufacture1954
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Car typeConvertible / Roadster
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DriveLHD
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ConditionRestored
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Interior colourGrey
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Number of doors2
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Number of seats2
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Location
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Exterior colourWhite
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GearboxManual
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Fuel typePetrol
Description
- Mille Miglia eligible
- Successfully participated in the 2022 Mille Miglia
- Is believed to have won its class at the illustrious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in the late 1970s/early 1980s
- Is believed to have driven just 33.000 original miles
- The wheels are painted to match the body and fitted with chrome center caps
- Original Left Hand Drive example
- Matching Numbers engine
- Desirable SE (Special Equipment) 180bhp model with C-Type–style cylinder head
- Some people love brand new restored cars, the people who love original cars prefer this car
“We claimed 120 mph (for the XK 120), a speed unheard of for a production car in those days.” – William Heynes, Chief Engineer, Jaguar Cars.
The XK120 was unquestionably one of the finest sports cars of its day, as its chassis provided amazing handling and its engine delivered record-breaking top speed.
Jaguar launched the Jaguar XK120 in 1948 at the London Motor Show as a way to test out a new engine and gauge interest in a new body design. It intended the car to facilitate the evolution of the brand.
Jaguar’s 3.4-litre straight-six is perhaps one of the greatest engine designs of all time, and it would prove so successful that the company would retain its basic design for use in their road going cars for nearly 40 years.
This engine is absolutely fabulous and due to the perfect power to weight ratio the car has an amazing performance.
The XK 120 is a car which can be driven on a racetrack but it is also a fantastic car to use for holiday trips. The big engine is great to drive on the highway because it does not produces very high revs at higher speed and is therefore very comfortable, but because of the torque an XK is also a superb car to race around in the mountains, and please believe us. With the beautiful engine/exhaust sound it will 100% give a smile on everybody’s face.
ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE
This beautiful Jaguar XK120 OTS Open Two-Seater as officially called in the day – was manufacture in 1954.
Being one of the last XK 120’s produced.
Finished in Old English White with a nicely patinated grey leather interior and tan convertible top, the XK is believed to have won its class at the illustrious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in the late 1970s/early 1980s.
The Jaguar is highly original and has never been taken apart or restored. It has a Matching Numbers engine, gearbox, body and chassis.
The car appears to have received a single repaint and only thoughtful freshening as needed.
The wheels, painted to match the body and fitted with chrome center caps.
Under the bonnet one can find the beautiful original and unrestored 3.4-liter XK engine which is also a desirable ‘Special Equipment’ model with C-Type–style cylinder head.
Some people love brand new restored cars, the people who love original cars prefer this car.
CONDITION EXTERIOR
The paint is glossy throughout with only minor deterioration evident under very close examination, while the body is in exceptionally good condition, showing excellent panel gaps and door fit.
CONDITION INTERIOR
The interior is unbelievable and extremely unique.. Completely original seats as well as original carpets.
The odometer of the car is showing approximately 33.000 Miles and if we take a close look at the interior as well it seems that the Jaguar has just driven this amount of miles during it’s entire life.
Isn’t it amazing that the first owner who collected the Jaguar from the dealer was sitting on the same leather in 1954…..
We always say that it is everyday possible to replace original parts for new parts but going back to originality is impossible and where is it possible to find nowadays cars with original interiors?
The dashboard and instrumentation are in very good condition, with only slightly faded dial faces. The steering wheel, switches, gearshift lever, and handbrake lever are all in very good condition. The boot’s condition is very much in keeping with that of the interior; the tools, hammer and jack are present.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
The matching-numbers engine retains both the original cylinder head and block.
Overall, the polished aluminium castings are nicely hued, while the engine components and compartment are properly detailed using correct factory hardware, wiring, and fasteners.
Reflecting the car’s low recorded mileage, the undercarriage remains tidy and clean with no visible evidence of damage to the floors, structural elements, or suspension components.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
The car starts easily and settles into a smooth idle with a good oil pressure. Once it has warmed to operating temperature, the engine functions smoothly and the gearbox likewise. The clutch takes up properly.
A handsome and carefully preserved Jaguar XK120 Special Equipment Roadster that has spent the last 48 years in California.
This car offers a great opportunity to acquire an extremely rare still original and unrestored quintessential British fifties classic that is also beautiful and eligible for various driving events including the Mille Miglia.
We certainly hope to see this Jaguar in the next 2023 Mille Miglia at the start.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website has been compiled by The Houtkamp Collection with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. The Houtkamp Collection is not liable for any errors or mistakes.