Lot 118: 1954 Jaguar XK120 Fixedhead Coupe modified by Twyford Moors

From its launch at Earls Court in October 1948, Jaguar's XK120 has long been considered one of the most significant sports cars of the post war era. The sleek Lyons designed body clothing that glorious 3.4 litre straight six twin cam engine was, one could argue, always destined to be a monstrous success and must have created a sensation on the austere streets of a struggling post war Britain. Yet Jaguar only intended to build 200, a fact that today seems incredulous. With success on the track shortly to follow, orders for the new sportscar boomed. Jaguar accommodated the rising demand by introducing two new body styles in the course of the model's life, the first of which being the fixedhead Coupé. Today this svelte sports coupé is regarded by many as the most stylish and attractive car in the whole range and one of the finest automotive shapes of all time.This delectable fixedhead has recently been systematically restored and uprated by highly respected marque specialists, Twyford Moors of Hampshire. Under the louvered bonnet, the distinctive 6 cylinder engine shows detailed attention having been paid in improving the cooling system, pedal layout and electrics to make this special car more practical, ergonomic and reliable than the original, without losing any of that early '50s charm which the model exudes. Internally, the cockpit features period style bucket seats trimmed in suede green Connolly hide, Wilton carpets which compliment the delightful silver green metallic paint with which the car has been beautifully finished. With an MoT valid until August 2007, a substantial history file and a Kenlow fan fitted to the radiator, this is a most desirable example, tastefully uprated with the engine rebuilt by Les Trafford, a giant in his field and maintained by Jaguar Specialists, Racing Green Cars. A superb example described as First Class in every respect.