2022-07-21 13:39:21 | pauls writes:

Car offered at:

www.carandclassic.com/auctions/1954-jaguar-xk120-roadster-se-lhd-nM7bb8

Auction description:

1954 Jaguar XK120

Colour Cream

Odometer 59,330 Miles

Engine size 3442

Seller Type Private

Location Devon

Country United Kingdom

California car until importation to UK in 2020

Original paint

Low ownership

Matching numbers & Heritage certificate

Partial mechanical history present 

Heritage certificate 

Decades of California registration cards 

This 1954 Roadster left the factory with a one way ticket to California, United States, where it has spent its entire life up until 2020 where it was imported to the UK by a Jaguar enthusiast and collector. 

Owned only by three individuals before being imported, the car comes with a folder of history, including an article about its first owners who took the car to Daytona speed week winning several races and achieving history as this car was raced by the first woman winner ever at San Gabriel Drag Strip. 

Original bill of sale is present, plus decades of California registration cards which help to provide ample proof of its life in the golden state. Since arriving in the United Kingdom, it has very much lived undriven and as part of a small classic Jaguar collection. It has been garaged, covered and admired for the last few years by a passionate individual. This original car is so rare, with its complete original body and beautiful patina. Retains all original panels with no rust due to its life in California.

THE INTERIOR

Majority of interior still in untouched factory trim 

Retrimmed leather seats 

Original related wear throughout 

The interior of this XK120 is predominantly original factory trim, apart from the obvious re-trimming of the seats. As the car is almost entirely untouched, signs of age are frequent throughout. If restoration to perfection is the goal for the future owner, then almost all carpet and leather time items will need replacing. 

The dials and gauges are all operational plus the original steering wheel seems to be in fine order, but the dash, door cards and floor will need attention if the desired goal is to take this car back to its original glory. To be honest, to us the signs of age add to its attraction, the wear tells a story, it showcases the car’s 68 years of existence and to us that is just as beautiful as a showroom car. 

THE EXTERIOR 

Original cream paint 

Fantastic condition 

Chrome work appears good 

The XK120 is an undeniably beautiful, masculine car with beautiful curves and sporty stance. The sheer beauty of these car’s make it one of the finest looking cars ever to be produced, it is uniquely gorgeous, superbly designed and in our opinion a classic that's difficult to aesthetically compete with. 

The original Cream paint is a fitting colour and a nice accompaniment to the red interior. There’s next to no sign of any wear or damage on the paint, a real testament to the Californian weather it has been fortunate to have lived. 

It’s unknown if any restoration to the paintwork has been carried out, with no invoices present, the chrome bumpers and trims look in great order, again with no sign of pitting or blemishes, the car's exterior simply put is wonderful and just emits class. 

THE MECHANICS 

3.4L straight six 

Runs and drives 

Incredible sound 

On arrival, the car was started and manoeuvred into a better position for the photographer. Initially, there was a bit of hesitation but this was put down to the car being unused for a period of time. The 3.4L straight-six roared into action after a few moments and performed confidently as the car was driven a short distance around the property. Incredible exhaust note from the SE Engine with its very efficient twin piped exhaust system.

The noise from these cars is unforgettable, a great British rumble shakes the ground and inflicts pure excitement to anyone in close proximity. An invoice for some work carried out over in the states in 2010 and some images of the engine out are also present, it's unknown if these relate to each other but it's obvious from the pictures that some kind of restoration has been carried out in the past.