Jaguar’s stunning XK120 was a massively important car for the marque, and for post-war Britain. As the fastest car in the world upon its introduction, and arguably the most beautiful, the XK120 put Jaguar firmly back on the map. After the model’s debut at the 1948 Earl’s Court Motor Show, one journalist commented, “All perceived notions as to what was a series-production sports car disappeared overnight.” It showed that Jaguar’s best days were still yet to come, as well as those of the entire British car industry. Between 1949 and 1954, 12,055 examples were constructed, and less than a quarter of those were bodied as fixed head coupes.

Entering production in 1951 as the second of three XK120 models, the XK120 Fixed Head Coupe boasted perhaps the highest level of practicality out of the three. The addition of a hard top not only protected its occupants from the weather, but it also added even more voluptuous curves to the shape of the automobile’s body. The fixed head coupe was aimed squarely at the American export market, and it attempted to sway even more Americans towards buying a car from across the pond. The added usefulness of this body style meant that it could be purchased as a daily driver or as an automobile to enjoy for the weekend and special occasions.

This matching-numbers 1952 XK120 Fixed Head Coupe was stripped to bare metal during its restoration, and every component was removed and either rebuilt, restored, or replaced with factory-correct parts. Factory-correct headlights, PF770, were sourced to go with the original Lucas PL700 driving lights, and the rebuilt instruments and gauges work beautifully and are all connected to the correct cloth-covered wiring. Adding to its originality and mechanical correctness are the factory Bees and GKN bolts, the Cheney hose clamps, and the period-correct Michelin radial tires. The engine, gearbox, rear axle, brakes, and suspension have all been professionally rebuilt by Jaguar specialists, and they function superbly, making this car a true pleasure to drive. Supple English leather, Wilton wool carpets, and splendid wood trim make for a lavish interior atmosphere, and the addition of a stainless steel exhaust makes the sound of the inline six even more sporting.