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.

The XK 120 was offered in two open-top variants—the roadster and the Drop Head Coupe—as well as the fully closed Fixed Head Coupe, introduced in early 1951. Though exact production numbers are unclear and vary depending on the source, roughly 2,680 XK 120 Fixed Head Coupes were built before production ended in 1954, Most were equipped with left-hand drive for the export market, of which the biggest destination by far was America.

Chassis 681234 is one such car. Built on September 11, 1953 and dispatched to Hornburg Jaguar in Los Angeles, California the following month, by the late 1990s it had been purchased by a well-known Jaguar concours judge in San Diego who commenced a full restoration to concours standards. From 2000 until 2011, the XK 120 was shown in numerous Jaguar Clubs of North America concours events winning Best in Class in 2000, 2002, and twice in 2011, among numerous other awards. Jaguar judges were clearly impressed with the quality and authenticity of the restoration, scoring it 99.99, 100.00, and 99.98 points in three different events from 2010 to 2011.

The Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate that accompanies the car confirms that this XK 120 still retains its original engine and cylinder head, and that it was originally finished in Black. The only apparent deviation from its original specification is the color of the interior. Originally Tan, it is now Red.

This 1954 Jaguar XK 120 Fixed Head Coupe’s restoration still presents nicely after 20 years, a testament to the quality workmanship. It is currently fitted with cross-ply tires—appropriate for concours judging—but replacement is advisable if its next owner wishes to drive it extensively. Included with the car are the tool roll, fitted luggage, show trophies, JDHT certificate, and more.

Show History:

• 2000 - J.O.C. Best in Class

• 2000 - J.C.N.A. 2nd in Class Two Championship

• 2002 - J.C.N.A. 1st in Class Two Championship

• 2002 - J.O.C. Best in Class

• 2007 - La Jolla Motor Classic 1st Place

• 2010 - San Diego 2nd in Class Two - 99.990 Points

• 7/2011 - San Diego 1st in Class Two - 100.00 Points

• 11/2011 - San Diego 1st in Class Two - 99.980 Points