Introduced in October 1948 at the Earls Court Motor Show in London, the Jaguar XK 120 prototype caused an instant sensation. It was initially intended as a test bed for a new engine that Jaguar chairman and design czar Sir William Lyons had planned. Public reaction to its flowing curves and styling proportions was so positive, however, that the car was quickly put into production in 1949. The XK’s “120” designation stood for its claimed top speed of 120 mph, an assertion that proved true, making it the world’s fastest production car at the time. From 1949 to 1954, only 2,680 fixed head coupes were produced, most equipped with left-hand drive for the American market.

The 1952 XK 120 SE Fixed Head Coupe offered here was manufactured on 5 September 1952 and dispatched one week later to dealer Maximillian Hoffman in New York. It was then sold to Dr. A. F. Dooling of Dublin, Ohio, and in 1968 transferred to Jim Williams who held it for almost 40 years. Later it was acquired by the current owner, a dedicated automobile collector and retired body shop owner.

According to the owner, the XK 120 had a comprehensive body and mechanical restoration. Brightwork has been redone, and the car’s exterior finish and interior trim have been restored to their original, rare, and highly appealing Suede Green color. The owner has had the factory seats replaced with period-correct seats to allow greater legroom. The original seats are available, and can be reinstalled.

This dashing coupe is meticulously detailed throughout and stands as a clean, show-worthy example of one of the most influential, admired, and refined sports cars of all time.