Lot 756: 1954 Jaguar XK120SE Roadster

Conceived and constructed in but a few months, the XK120 debuted at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show where the stunning-looking roadster caused a sensation, the resulting demand for what was then the world’s fastest production car taking Jaguar by surprise. It was immediately obvious that the slow-to-produce alloy bodywork would have to go, and the car was swiftly re-engineered in steel. The work of Jaguar boss William Lyons himself and one of the most beautiful shapes ever to grace an automobile, the body was conceived as a coachbuilt aluminium structure for the simple reason that Jaguar expected to sell no more than 200 XK120s in the first year!
The car’s heart was, of course, the fabulous XK engine, a 3.4-litre ‘six’ embodying the best of modern design, boasting twin overhead camshafts running in an aluminium-alloy cylinder head, seven main bearings and a maximum output of 160bhp. The XK120 set new standards of comfort, roadholding and performance for British sports cars and, in keeping with the Jaguar tradition, there was nothing to touch it at the price. Coupé and drophead coupé versions followed, and for customers who found the standard car too slow, there was the Special Equipment (SE) package which boosted power to 180bhp. With either engine and regardless of the type of bodywork, the XK120 was a genuine 120mph car capable of sustained high-speed cruising.
The ‘S’ prefix to this car’s chassis number indicates that it was built as one of the more desirable ‘Special Equipment’ models. A left-hand drive, ex-California car, it benefits from recent restoration (undertaken in 2002) and was imported into Europe from the USA immediately after undergoing a major service in 2003 costing $13,994 (invoice available). We are advised that EU duties have been paid and that the car has not been used since arrival.