160 hp, 3,442 cc dual overhead camshaft inline six-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, torsion bar independent front suspension with rear leaf springs and four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 102"

• No-expense-spared restoration

• About 17,550 original miles with less than 100 since restoration

• Early example restored by marque specialist Classic Showcase

Not long after World War II, Jaguar developed its first proprietary engine, a high-output, twin-cam six called the XK. Company founder and guiding spirit Sir William Lyons penned an open two-seat sports model to showcase this exciting new powerplant. Dubbed the XK120 after its claimed top speed of 120 miles per hour, it was conceived as a limited production model to demonstrate the XK’s performance.

This particular XK120 was an excellent candidate for restoration with its short list of owners, superb pedigree and matching numbers. The previous owner, an avid collector, commissioned a comprehensive, body-off restoration from the marque specialists Classic Showcase with no expense spared. During the restoration process, the XK120 was stripped to bare metal, fitted, metal worked, primed, sealed, painted, color-sanded and buffed to perfection. All parts were painted individually off of the car. The engine and head were completely rebuilt to exact factory specifications. All mechanical components and systems were restored, including the electrical, cooling, hydraulic and fuel systems. A new wire loom was installed and the gauges restored.

In doing the complete interior, Classic Showcase fitted and trimmed all the upholstery with the proper materials for the seats, door panels, carpets, convertible top and tonneau cover. Among the many new parts, the car also received all new glass. This is likely among the finest early XK120s available in the world today. All numbers match and it comes with a Heritage Certificate of Authenticity.

The car was restored to the original color combination of Pastel Blue with two-tone French Blue and Gray interior as stated on the Heritage Certificate. The car sits on period-correct tires manufactured by Coker Classic Tires. This exceptional Jaguar has been driven less than 100 test miles since the restoration, and a DVD of the restoration process will accompany the car as well. This timeless beauty is a proven award winner, bringing home First Place trophies in all its outings thus far. Having scored 99.99 points in several JCNA shows, it was then displayed in the aforementioned private collector’s climate-controlled museum.

This example is the 288th XK120 built and is therefore one of the early steel-bodied examples produced after the end of alloy-body production. There is likely no better example available today. With its spectacular, sleek and elegant body design, this is an exceptional early 120 intended for the discerning collector in search of high quality and attention to detail.