Lot 42: 1953 JAGUAR XK120 SE FIXED HEAD COUPE

Silver with black leather interior

Engine: six cylinder, in-line, double overhead camshaft, 3,442cc, c.200bhp at 5,200rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension: front, independent with double wishbones and longitudinal torsion bars; rear, live axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: hydraulic drums all round. Left hand drive.

Few cars remain as instantly recognizable as the Jaguar XK120; its graceful and all-enveloping shape influenced the changing design of post-war sports cars. Introduced as a roadster in 1948 at the London Motor Show, it revolutionized the world's sports car market by providing a genuine 120mph. The superb twin-cam six cylinder engine was to become the mainstay of all future Jaguar products, and brought five Le Mans 24 hour victories between 1951 and 1957. The world export demand for the XK120 was so great that the first home market sales, in any quantity, did not materialize until 1951, the year in which the fixed head coupe version was introduced, a more civilized version of the sports car with wind up windows and more luxurious fittings.

From September 1952, Special Equipment models were offered on the 120 series; the specification for these included high lift camshafts, wire wheels with knock on hubcaps and stiffer front torsion bars. In line with Jaguar sales figures five cars for every one in the UK were sold with left hand drive - the majority, such as this car, were destined for America.

The Jaguar on offer here is an original fully matching numbers example presently in the custody of its fourth documented owner. Built on March 24,1953 this XK120 SE was delivered to Mr. P.J. Farms of West Palm Beach, Florida sporting Baltic grey livery and finish trimmed in red leather. It was then purchased in early 1958 by Mr. N. Alfred Winn of St. Petersburg, Florida for his wife with a mere 6,000 miles showing. Mr. Winn subsequently used the XK120 for his daily commute to work. In 1970 when the Winns divorced the car was used significantly less, though was said to be started regularly until 1985. Then, having been stored for three years in a neighbor's garage, the car was sold to its third owner, Mr. Nicholas Papamichael. Mr. Papamichael exported the car to the United Kingdom and began a restoration with Brian Classic Ltd. Having rallied a similar car in the Fifties, this XK120 was prepared accordingly and participated in the Pirelli Classic Marathon in 1990 (placing sixth in class), and second in class for both 1991 and 1992 editions. Shortly thereafter it was put on display at the Midland Motor Museum.

Then, in 1994, the current Jaguar enthusiast acquired the XK120 and shipped it back to the United States. Upon receipt it was sent to Vantage Motors in Stamford, Connecticut, where it was prepared for VSCCA racing. Having been fitted with a roll bar and the recipient of an engine rebuild (subsequently dyno tested in excess of 200hp), it was fitted with a period C Type head and increased inlet value size to ¾ inches and the exhaust to 1 5/8 inches. Two SU HD-8 two inch carburetors were fitted and the brakes were upgraded with Tilson dual master cylinders. While the XK120 does benefit from a number of mechanical upgrades to enhance its performance, careful attention has been paid in maintaining the car's authenticity. Having been raced in approximately six VSCCA events the current owner retired from racing in 1996, only to later prepare the car for the 1999 London to Monte Carlo Rally where it finished 116th overall and 13th in class suffering from two flat tires as the set backs. Since then the XK120 has been mostly in storage but regularly serviced.

Finished in what is believed to be Porsche Silver No. Z8 with black leather interior, this Jaguar XK120 is described as immediately ready for the rally and racing circuit. Further fitted with Simpson racing belts, rally lights, SPA fire suppression system, roll bar, padded steering wheel and period type bucket seats, this example boasts all the applicable accoutrements one would seek. With just under 50,000 miles on the odometer and a detailed binder with receipts, records, history, Jaguar Heritage Certificate and FIA Identity Papers, Christie's is pleased to present this fine example.