The XK120 was introduced as an open two-seater in 1948 at the London Motor Show – the company’s first sports car since the SS 100 ended production in 1939. The “120” in the model name denoted the top speed of the car, making it the world’s fastest production car in 1948. In mid-1951, Jaguar launched a Special Equipment (SE) Roadster with higher lift camshafts, stiffer suspension, and twin exhaust pipes, and now producing 180 hp.

This XK120 SE Roadster was dispatched from the factory to distributor Hornburg Jaguar in Los Angeles, on January 8, 1953. According to its accompanying JDHT Certificate, chassis S673390 was coupled with engine W 7055-8S and finished in cream paint with a blue interior and fawn top. Almost 70 years later, this SE is very presentable with some gentle wear showing in its classic red paint and beige leather interior. It was awarded several trophies in its heyday – many of which accompany the car. According to receipts on file, the car appears to have received a new cylinder head, valves and guides in 2005. The engine block, numbered with W 7055-8S, is still in the car. The engine and gearbox were rebuilt in 2014, and it received a major service in 2018. As part of the Weber Collection since 2003, the XK120 comes with a folio of documents and service records from Jaguar specialists, as well as a jack, tire pump, tool roll, and side curtains. Currently showing under 72,000 miles on the odometer, this 1953 Jaguar XK120 should provide many years of elegant and exciting driving to its next owner.