160 hp, 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine with twin SU carburetion, four-speed manual transmission, front independent suspension and semi-elliptic rear suspension, Lockheed 2LS four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes Wheelbase: 102"

- 288th XK120 built

- Includes Heritage Certificate confirming fantastic original color combination

- National Champion with 99.99 points at several JCNA shows

- 100 test miles since restoration

- Complete matching-numbers example

The Jaguar XK120 Roadster is an integral part of Britain’s postwar automotive history. Following World War II, the blitz-battered United Kingdom was in more than a slump, rolling out rehashed prewar models, but Jaguar simply refused to follow suit.

Jaguar founder William Lyons initially intended to produce only 200 units of the XK120 before its legendary premiere at London’s 1948 Earl’s Court Motor Show, but destiny demanded otherwise. Faced with such overwhelming interest, Lyons altered the hand-formed aluminum body to one of all steel and then thrust the showstopper into mass production. Powered by a 3.4-liter, inline-six cylinder with 160 horsepower, XK120 proudly boasted a promised speed of 120 mph, as its name reflects. The roadster also featured the first high-volume twin cam engine, which would become the engine to power Jaguars for almost 40 years.

The XK120 would make history time and again. Designed as a sporty touring car, XK120 proved to have racing chops as well and won the Le Mans 24-hour race in 1951 and 1953. A true landmark for Jaguar, this is the model that garnered Jaguar the reputation for not only luxury but also respect in the world of road racing.

The Jaguar XK120 Roadster presented here is the epitome of pedigree. With limited ownership, documented matching numbers and a world-class restoration, this National Champion Roadster garnered 99.99 points at several distinguished JCNA shows. The 288th Jaguar XK120 produced, it was the perfect candidate to be commissioned for a restoration by marque specialists Classic Showcase of Southern California. After undergoing a comprehensive, frame-off rotisserie restoration to a high show-quality level with no expense spared, this car is reported by the vendor to be one of the very finest examples in the world today.

This XK120 is an early production Roadster with many of the original features that were distinctive of the aluminum-bodied Jaguar which was in production shortly before switching to steel panels. Some of these features include early-style fender lamps, chrome top bows, chrome seat frames and a chrome bonnet prop rod. These early production XK120s also had a different hood with rear glass window on the hood rather than plastic. There were also no vent doors on the fender.

As demonstrated in the accompanying DVD of the restoration by Classic Showcase, the XK120’s body was stripped to bare metal, metal worked, primed, sealed, painted individually by panel, color-sanded and then buffed to flawless perfection. Restored to the original Pastel Blue and complemented by the original color scheme of two-tone French Blue and gray for the interior, accuracy has been adhered to with diligence, which can be confirmed by the accompanying Heritage Certificate. The engine has been completely rebuilt but remains unmodified, to exacting factory specifications, with less than 100 test miles since restoration. All systems, including mechanical, electrical, cooling, hydraulics and fuel, have been restored along with original factory gauges. A new wiring loom and glass were installed as well as a new, fitted convertible top. The tires have been returned to original Coker Classics to ensure accuracy and safety. The accompanying package includes the restoration DVD, Heritage Certificate, tools, car cover and tonneau cover. XK120s of this caliber are seldom seen on today’s market and as such warrant very close attention from Jaguar collectors in search of the very best.