The first XK120s arrived in the U.S. in August 1949, delivered to distributors Max Hoffman in New York and Charles Hornburg in Los Angeles. Their sensuous flowing lines, 3.4-liter DOHC engines, and sparkling performance created a sensation that endures today. There were 7,631 roadsters built from 1949 to 1954 and 2,678 coupes between 1951 and 1954. The elegant, weather-tight drophead coupe arrived last, with 1,769 (1,471 LHD) produced until 1954.

This stunning example was delivered to Charles Hornburg in Los Angeles and bought by Miss V.M. Donaldson on May 14, 1953. It is believed to have been in Oregon all its life and was the first car bought by David Adams, who purchased it as a high-school senior in 1971, having found it under a tarp in the suburb of Garden Home.

Already a successful artist and sculptor, Adams realized that his sports car was going to need expert care and enlisted in the Foreign Car program at Mt. Hood Community College. He rebuilt his car (the first time) during the course and then interned at European car experts Leyfax Garage in Portland for three years, “learning how to do a job perfectly—once.” He then started a business importing classic cars from England and learning the fine points of a “proper” restoration. He also began a 10-year search for the correct parts for his car.

This Drophead Coupe has been finished in its original Birch Grey with a French Grey top over a red leather interior and features the desirable “curved-back” seats. Though the original burl walnut interior wood was sound, it has been replaced with a complete new set, with the correct satin finish. The frame-off restoration, by Adam’s own Lake Oswego Restoration, addressed even the smallest details, using mostly correct date-coded parts, as well as genuine Jaguar nuts, bolts, and hose clamps. The engine block is original, while the cylinder head is a factory replacement fitted long ago, as it lacks a stamping number. The starter is a gear-reduction unit, but the original is included. The car has also been fitted with Koni “Classic” shocks in the front and a two-inch stainless-steel sports exhaust system. The rebuilt transmission is original as per the JDHT Certificate.

The paintwork is exemplary and unmarked, and the panel fits exact. The car has rear wheel spats and rides on Coker wide whitewall radial tires that resemble the original bias-ply tires. The correct jack, lug wrench, and owner’s and service manuals are included, and the car even features the Oregon license plate it has carried for 44 years!

The Jaguar has rarely been shown, though it did win Best of Show out of a field of 650 cars at Portland’s All-British Field Meet after its restoration in 2006.

No doubt, this would be an exciting and absolutely stunning Jaguar to drive into the California sunset.