Highlights

European registered (Ireland) - free circulation in EU
Ground up restored XK120 with detailed photographic record
Retains it's matching numbers engine
Arguably the best colour combination
Excellent condition throughout
Desirable five-speed gearbox upgrade

The Appeal

1948 was a good year for car releases: the original Land Rover, Morris Minor, 2CV, and Porsche 356 all made their debut that year. And alongside them came the show-stopping Jaguar XK120, which was a huge leap forward in performance and styling.

This particular XK120 has been restored in recent years and is now presented for sale in excellent condition throughout. The silver paint is in beautiful condition, along with the retrimmed red leather interior and excellent chrome plating.

The car has been mildly updated for use on modern roads, with the addition of a five speed gearbox, and a modern alternator and starter motor. So clearly this Jaguar has been restored to be driven, as well as looking stunning. We’re sure its next owner will be torn between driving the car and just looking at it.

The History and Paperwork

First registered in 1953
Fully restored in around 2016 with a CD of photographs
Mileage indicated since restoration
Purchased by the vendor in December 2020
Comes with its original gearbox, starter motor and dynamo

The Interior

Retrimmed red leather interior
Deeply polished walnut dashboard
Immaculate carpets

Just by looking at the interior of this XK120, you can tell that it has had a lot of care and attention invested into it. From the smart leather upholstery to the deeply polished walnut dashboard, there is barely a flaw to be found.

The seats have been finished in quality red leather, which matches the door cards. They show little sign of use, with only very light creasing and no rips or tears we could see. Matching red carpet is laid throughout the cabin and is extremely clean and tidy. This is trimmed in red leather, which finishes it off very nicely.

The driver is presented with a substantial steering wheel, with its large central boss proudly displaying a Jaguar emblem, and adjustable steering column. Behind this, the dashboard is swathed in finely figured burr walnut veneer, which is continued along the door cappings and A-pillars. The lacquer appears to be very well applied and there are no discernible signs of damage.

A full set of gauges and switches complete the dashboard, providing the driver with all the necessary information about the condition of the car. In the centre of the dashboard is a retro styled sound system, which allows some modern niceties into the cabin. This is the only nod to modernity on display but the carefully chosen head unit allows it to look the part.

To the rear, the boot is equally well finished, with leather-trimmed carpet and a very neatly upholstered trim piece lining the bootlid. Beneath the boot floor is a full size spare wheel which wears a new tyre, and there is a jack and wheel brace.

The Exterior

Beautifully applied silver paintwork
Excellent chrome trim
Brand new hood

Finished in an alluring shade of silver, which accentuates the lines of this Jaguar in just the right way, the restoration carried out a few years ago was clearly done well. And the colour-matched wheels and rear wheel arch spats are particularly nice period details. The paint remains in excellent condition, with almost no blemishes to be seen, a testament to its careful ownership.

The exterior chromework is beautifully preserved, with no sign of pitting we could see, nor are there ant significant dents or scratches. The Lucas tripod headlamps are a great feature, as are the chrome hubcaps and discreet bumpers.

The fabric hood has reportedly just been replaced, so is beautifully clean and crease-free. Underneath, the car is said to be excellently presented, with no reported damage or corrosion.

The Mechanics

Five-speed gearbox fitted
Modern starter motor and alternator, disguised as originals
Said to drive excellently at high speeds

Lifting the slender bonnet reveals the fabulous straight-six XK engine which powers this car —and so many other Jaguars — to speeds previously unseen in a road car, at the time of production. The vendor tells us that it will happily cruise at 70mph at 3,500rpm and easily keep up with modern traffic.

A five-speed gearbox has been fitted for ease of use on modern roads, but the original ‘box has been retained with the car. Similarly, the starter motor and dynamo have been upgraded with modern units which look like the originals, with an alternator replacing the dynamo. The original pieces have also been kept. A modern radiator has been fired, along with an electric auxiliary cooling fan.

The vendor tells us that the car starts and drives very well, accelerates strongly, changes gear as it should and brakes in a straight line. There are no reported leaks, other than a very slight leak from the water pump.

Summary

This XK120 is truly a thing of beauty, finished in a fabulous shoe of silver and with a flamboyant red leather interior. It is exquisitely restored inside and out, and we’re sure it will turn heads wherever it goes.

There aren’t many cars as truly groundbreaking as the XK120, and this one benefits from some subtle — and entirely reversible — upgrades for ease of use on modern roads. One not to be missed.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.

All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.