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. Factory test driver Ron Sutton drove one to a speed of over 130 mph on a Belgian road, proving that its name was actually an understatement of the car’s performance credentials and it was definitely not a marketing exaggeration. 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.

The highly original XK120 offered here was completed in March 1952 and originally finished in the rare and elegant colour combination of Pastel Green over a darker Suede Green interior, with a contrasting fawn top. Peter Satori Motors in California took delivery of the car, and one month later, it was sold to its first owner, Dr H.D. Fremont. Interestingly, dual exhaust pipes that exit through rear wings on each side were installed, which is an intriguing period upgrade for the model. The first owner only used the car occasionally for weekend outings until 1962, after which the Jaguar was carefully stored until 1977. With just 13,339 miles on the odometer, the car was sold to another local resident, Mr John Wells, and was shown at several events over the next few years.

During the 1980s, for the second time in its life, the XK120 was carefully stored. It was then sold to Chris Boillit, of Arizona, in 2010. The car is offered today showing less than 15,000 miles, and it is presented in well-preserved original condition, still retaining its original chassis, engine, gearbox, and body. Accompanying the car is an extensive file of ownership records, receipts, and operating, maintenance, and service handbooks, as well as the factory warranty in its envelope, which is addressed to Dr Fremont. The Jaguar also includes a factory-delivered tool kit, jack, gasket set, and even the original side curtains, which remain unused and in their original packaging.

More recently, an extensive major service was undertaken to ensure that this highly original XK120 continues to run as well as the day it was delivered. The recommissioning included relining the brake shoes, replacing the brake master cylinder and wheel cylinders, rebuilding the fuel pump, replacing the H.T. leads, and finally, overhauling the radiator. The Jaguar was then test-driven by an XK specialist, who commented on how well the car drives and that it was surprisingly quick, attesting to how sporting these cars were when new.

This XK120 offers a truly a rare opportunity to acquire a well-preserved original example with low mileage and fantastic documentation, and one that still remains eligible for the world’s greatest historic motoring events, such as the Mille Miglia Storica, Le Mans Classic, and Tour Auto.