Lot 35: 1953 JAGUAR XK120 ROADSTER

Lavender Grey with biscuit and red duotone interior

Engine: six cylinder, in-line, twin overhead camshafts, 3,442cc, 160bhp at 5,000rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension: front, independent, rear, semi-elliptic leaves; Brakes: four wheel hydraulic drums. Left hand drive.

Picture somber, post-War England and the 1948 Earls Court Show, the first of its kind for a decade. Now imagine rounding a corner and laying your eyes for the first time upon Jaguar's sparkling bronze XK120 Roadster revolving quietly on its stand. The world devoured the concept embodied in the lithe little sports car with its svelte lines, stiff chassis, genuine 120mph performance, and unbeatable price tag of #998. Jaguar quickly shelved its intention to hand-build only a few to special order in favour of tooling up for mass production, and yet it was still 1951 before export demand had slowed sufficiently to begin supplying the home market. The scene was set for two decades of eagerly anticipated splashes at motor shows, five quickly-consecutive wins at Le Mans, and Jaguar's irrevocable influence in the world of sports cars.

The Roadster offered here was built on 14 July 1953, dispatched 14 days later, and sold through importer Max Hoffman to its first owner, Mr. David Winne of West Hempstead, New York. It subsequently passed through Russ Sceli of Hartford, Connecticut to J&L Service Station of South Windsor, Connecticut, in 1959 before being sold to local James Jorgensen in September the same year. The car was still in the care of the Jorgensen family come 1974.

Restoration has clearly been carried out over the last few years, and this XK120 is presented in wonderful condition. Lavender grey paintwork is well complimented by dark burgundy wheels fitted with proper Michelin X radio tires, and the original-spec 'biscuit and red duotone' interior has an immaculate feel to it. Further all brightwork is original and has been rechromed and appears in excellent condition. The Jaguar benefits from a new top while utilizing the original side curtains. Regularly run and maintained by a noted English car mechanic, this car would be an on-the-button compliment to any garage.