Catapulting Jaguar out of the pre-war era, the XK 120 was received with great fanfare at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show in London. Boasting a 160-horsepower 3.4-liter twin-cam inline-six engine, this was a world-beating performance machine. Its top speed of 120 mph made it the fastest street-legal sports car the world had ever seen, and it was as beautiful as it was quick. Needless to say, these cars were highly sought-after, and while Jaguar had produced the first batch of XK 120s with hand-formed aluminum bodies, production was later changed to steel to keep up with demand.

Built in 1954 to left-hand-drive specifications, this XK 120 roadster was delivered from the factory in the classic color British Racing Green over a Suede Green interior with a black soft top. The Heritage Trust Certificate further states the car was brought to United States via the Hornburg distributor located in Los Angeles, California, and it is believed to have remained in the city for much of its life.

Now appearing with black exterior paint over a red leather interior, this highly attractive roadster was the recipient of an extensive restoration which began soon after being purchased in 2019 by a California-based sports car collector and enthusiast. Photos within the car’s file show the body stripped down to bare metal to be refinished to the high standard one can witness today. A number of specialist workshops were commissioned to complete the project in 2023 with a focus on the instrumentation, carburetors, engine, and interior upholstery.

Additionally, the Jaguar has been upgraded with adjustable Gaz front shock absorbers, Wilwood disc brakes, and a Tremec five-speed transmission, which most certainly improve the driving experience of this open-top classic. Most importantly, this XK 120 retains its critical matching-numbers components as shown on the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust production record trace certificate including the engine, cylinder head, and body; the numbers-matching gearbox, number JL 22279, accompanies the car separately. The Jaguar is further accompanied by an original service manual, reprint owner’s handbook, and restoration file.

Fitted with its numbers-matching engine, cylinder head, and body, and benefitting from thoughtful upgrades and a wonderfully executed restoration, this spectacular, sleek, and elegant Jaguar is ideal for the discerning collector.