Jaguar’s XK120 changed the world when it was first shown at the Earls Court Motor Show in 1948. At first glance, the car was truly gorgeous, featuring a swooping and streamlined design that screamed speed, performance, and sex appeal. More importantly, it had the performance to back up its breathtaking bodywork. In 1949, following a speed run on a Belgian highway in which an XK120 ran 126 mph with its windshield on and 132 mph without, the XK120 was deemed the fastest production car in the world, a fitting match to its wonderful aesthetics.

To achieve its brilliant top speed, the XK120’s 3.4-liter straight-six engine utilized chain-driven dual overhead camshafts and a hefty crankshaft that carried seven oversize main bearings. Featuring aluminum heads and pistons, the engine produced 160 horsepower at 5,200 rpm. Originally, only 200 examples were intended to be produced, but after the car’s tremendous reception at Earls Court, it was clear that Jaguar could sell many more than that. In total, 12,055 XK120 roadsters, coupes, and drophead coupes were produced from 1948 to 1954, including 7,374 steel-bodied roadsters. This car was trend-setting more than 60 years ago, and it remains a milestone vehicle today.

Currently finished in Olde English White over Burgundy and Biscuit leather, a popular color combination for the XK120, this 1953 Roadster is said to be an excellent driver. According to documentation supplied with it, this XK120 resided in La Canada, California, under the ownership of Joan Marilyn Piddington, who placed the car in static storage in 1968. After being removed from storage in the late 1980s, it was sold from California and purchased by Bud Morrison, of Tempe, Arizona, who restored the car to its former glory in the early 1990s. Mr. Morrison kept the car for nearly 25 years, finally parting with the Jaguar in 2013.

Even 60 years after the last XK120 left Jaguar’s facility, the model is still adored by enthusiasts and remains one of the most beautiful production cars ever built. This XK120 would make for a wonderful driver for the enthusiast looking to enjoy the thrill of open-air motoring in great style.