1953 Jaguar XK120 SE Roadster

Factory black with just 3 owners from new
Original numbers matching chassis, engine, cylinder head, and body
Desirable Special Equipment spec and numbers-matching 3.4-litre straight-six engine
Documented by a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate

VIN: S673431

When the marque-making roadster model emerged at the Earl's Court Motor Show in 1948, it had been eight years since Jaguar had produced a sports car due to the war. After enduring the blitz and World War II, Britain, along with the world at large, was practically lusting for something this curvaceous and bold, and Jaguar hit the mark with total precision. With a curved front end, complete with lifelike headlights that gaze into your very soul as well as a sharply tapered rear, no large-scale production car of the time could match the XK120's undeniable allure.

Innovative styling wasn't the XK120's only charm; this glamorous machine could run as well as it looked. With a sustainable top speed of 120 miles per hour, the XK120 was coined for the then-unheard-of achievement in speed, and the rest is history. Beneath the bonnet, the 3.4-litre inline six-cylinder engine boasted 160 horsepower and had the first high-volume twin-cam engine. After the sensation at Earl's Court, Jaguar dealers were unable to keep up with the staggering demand. Consequently, Jag boss, William Lyons, chose to abandon the time-consuming alloy body for one of steel to meet the unexpected requirements of mass production.

As the rest of the world began to catch up with this shooting star, Jaguar's engineers refused to rest on their laurels and elevated performance in 1951 with the SE (Special Equipment) package, which this particular example on offer delivers. The SE fortified the engine with high-lift camshafts, stronger rear springs, attractive dual exhaust and a better flywheel; the result was an additional 20 horsepower and an even smoother ride. The SE also received a new set of the now-iconic wire rims, which not only added to the aesthetic appeal, but it also achieved a striking look for footwear that would stay with Jaguar for decades. Among the most desirable post-war automobiles ever made, only 7,614 XK120 Roadsters were produced.

The 1953 Jaguar XK120 SE Roadster on offer has undergone a nut-and-bolt restoration with no expense spared. Under the watchful eye of just one faithful owner from new until 2012, it was then acquired by a noted West Coast collection, where it was beautifully maintained to a high standard, before the current owner acquired it. With just three owners since new, this is a seldom seen opportunity to become just the fourth owner of a 70-plus-year-old British Roadster.

According to its accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, it wears its original livery of black over a Biscuit and red interior, and retains its original numbers-matching chassis, engine, cylinder head, and body. The JDHT Certificate also notes this example as an original and desirable Special Equipment specification example, which greatly adds to its driving pleasure. Under the watchful eye of the original owner for over 60 years and presented in splendid condition with its numbers-matching "SE" engine, this is a worthy example of any collection and is a faithful XK120 that is the epitome of iconic.