1953 | Jaguar XK 120 SE OTS

The Jaguar XK120 was manufactured between 1948 and 1954; Jaguar's first sportscar since the SS100, which ceased production in 1940. The XK120 was launched in roadster form at the 1948 London Motor Show as a show car for the new Jaguar XK engine. It caused a sensation thus persuading Jaguar founder and design boss William Lyons to put the car into production. The '120' in its name referred to its 120mph top speed which made the XK120 the world's fastest standard production car at the time of its launch. It was available in two open versions; first as the roadster then as a drophead coupe from 1953 and also as a closed, or 'fixedhead' coupe from 1951. With an alloy cylinder head and twin side-draft SU carburettors, the double overhead-cam 3.4 litre straight-six XK engine was comparatively advanced for mass-produced units of its time. This same basic design of the XK engine, later modified into 3.8 litre and 4.2 litre versions, survived late into the 1980s.

Manufactured on 13th January 1953, this Jaguar XK120 SE Roadster was dispatched to Hornburg in Los Angeles on 27th January. It was repatriated from the US in 2018 and was converted to right hand drive format by the then owner. Clearly restoration work has been carried out on this XK120 SE as it presents very well in silver with a red leather interior. The chromework is in good order and the hood is relatively new. Some recent work carried out includes light recommissioning, mainly due to lack of use, hence the reason why this Jaguar is on the market. A disc brake conversion has been carried out to improve the driving experience, when on song these XK's can travel along with alacrity. The car started immediately when requested, with the XK engine running well with no adverse noises and the gearbox operates as it should with smooth changes. This example is supplied with a V5C registration document, a Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate and a collection of invoices. This is a very capable and comfortable XK120 SE that is ready to be enjoyed for the summer ahead. Consigned by Stewart Banks.

Lot details
Year: 1953
Make: Jaguar
Model: XK120 SE Roadster
Registration: 656 XVB
Chassis No: S673444
Engine No: W7190-8S
Mileage: 01,094


* Front brake disc conversion

* New hood

* JDHT Certificate