Catapulting Jaguar out of the pre-war era, the XK 120 was received with great fanfare at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show in London. Boasting a 160-horsepower 3.4-liter twin-cam inline-six engine, this was a world-beating performance machine. Its top speed of 120 mph made it the fastest street-legal sports car the world had ever seen, and it was as beautiful as it was quick.

Built in July 1952 to left-hand-drive specifications, this award-winning XK 120 Roadster was originally delivered from the factory in the classic color Pastel Green over a Suede Green interior with a Fawn soft-top. The car’s Heritage Trust Certificate (on file) further states that it was brought to the United States via Max Hoffman’s famous NYC-based distributorship.

Now presented with its factory-correct color combination and a black soft-top, this highly attractive roadster was the recipient of a complete, multi-year, six-figure restoration executed by renowned Jaguar marque expert Jon Pollock (Reseda, California) between 2015 and 2019. Over $150,000 was invested in the restoration, and accompanying invoices and progress photos clearly illustrate the exhaustive degree of work completed by Pollock upon this XK 120. The body and chassis were separated and completely refinished to an impressive JCNA concours standard of finish throughout; all proper trim was similarly re-chromed to exacting JCNA standards by a local specialist shop. The car rides on chromed 48-spoke wire wheels with two-eared Rudge-Whitworth knockoff hubs and shod in period-correct Pirelli tires.

This XK 120 also benefits from a complete rebuild of its 3.4-liter engine furnished by renowned engine builder Ed Pink (Van Nuys, California). Additionally, this XK 120 has been upgraded with a five-speed Welsh-Cosworth gearbox, which most certainly improves the driving experience of this open-top classic. Most importantly, the accompanying Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate confirms this car retains its numbers-matching engine block.

The stellar quality of Pollock’s work was quickly acknowledged along every stop this XK 120 made in its debut JCNA Concours season. In 2022, the car was awarded three regional 1st Place Regional JCNA Champion Class (99+ points) concours prize, and then followed this up by securing a 2nd Place Prize at the National level of the same JCNA class (99+ points).

This stunning, award-winning Jaguar XK 120 Roadster is certainly among the finest on the market. Well-equipped from the factory and eligible for a host of international touring events, this wonderful example will surely continue to impress its next curator and all who behold it.