1953 Jaguar XK120 OTS

A matching-numbers Special Equipment XK120 roadster in rare Lavender Grey over Suede Green leather, restored by XKs Unlimited of California, engine rebuilt with invoices, and offered after five years in a garaged private collection. Mille Miglia eligible.

HIGHLIGHTS

- Rare Lavender Grey over Suede Green leather - a striking period combination

- Matching-numbers Special Equipment (SE) car: uprated engine, twin exhausts, wire wheels

- Restored by renowned marque specialists XKs Unlimited of California (2010)

- Engine rebuilt (£8, 430) with 123 electronic ignition shortly before current ownership

- Five years in the current garaged private collection - only a new radiator required

- Mille Miglia eligible

OVERVIEW

Chassis S674948 is a late-production, left-hand-drive Special Equipment example of the car that made 120 mph a production reality, powered by its original 3, 442cc twin-cam XK straight-six (engine no. W6133-8) - the engine that went on to win Le Mans five times. The S-prefix chassis denotes the desirable SE specification, delivered with the uprated engine, dual exhaust system and wire wheels.

HISTORY

The car spent its early life in California, latterly in the ownership of XKs Unlimited, the celebrated Jaguar XK specialists, who restored it comprehensively in 2010 before its importation to the UK. The importing owner commissioned a full engine rebuild (invoiced at £8, 430) together with a 123 electronic ignition installation and a new hood canvas. Acquired by the present owner in 2021, it has since formed part of a small, garaged and comprehensively insured private collection in North London, registered as 728 XVP.

EXTERIOR

Restored to an exceptional standard in rare Lavender Grey, the car displays deep, even paintwork, excellent panel fit and bright chrome throughout, riding on silver-painted wire wheels with two-eared spinners. A black mohair hood with chrome-framed rear window was fitted new in the UK, and the Washington collector plate is retained purely for display.

INTERIOR

Trimmed in Suede Green leather with matching dash and carpets - a delightful pairing with the Lavender Grey paint - the cockpit presents beautifully, with the correct four-spoke wheel and full instrumentation.

MECHANICALS

The car runs and drives as it should, its rebuilt engine having covered only limited mileage since the work was completed. The only attention required in five years of current ownership has been the fitting of a new radiator - addressing the XK's one well-known weak point and leaving the cooling system fresh for touring. In every other respect the car is exactly as acquired: unmodified and unmolested. MOT-exempt and taxed in the historic vehicle class.

HISTORY FILE

The file includes UK registration confirmation, the engine rebuild and ignition invoices, and restoration photographs.

Viewing by appointment, North London. Sensible offers considered.