1954 Jaguar XK120 FHC

The Jaguar XK120 is a sports car manufactured by Jaguar between 1948 and 1954. It was Jaguar’s first sports car since SS 100 production ended in 1939.

When the car was first launched it was only available in the roadster or ‘Open Top Sports’ (as called by Jaguar) style, it was only in 1951 that the fixed-head coupé was available for purchase. The XK120 was named so due to the record breaking speed the car achieved for a production car, an impressive 120mph.

This Jaguar 1954 XK120 Fixed Head Coupé is an original US-market example with the desirable Special Equipment package, retaining its original matching numbers engine and cylinder head. It enjoyed long-term, receiving a nut-and-bolt restoration late in its tenure. The engine was also substantially modified: in particular, it was fitted with three SU carburettors, a straight-port cylinder head, and was mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

The chrome work is excellent, the paintwork gleams with a stunning finish and the upholstery is top class with stunning woodwork, excellent carpets, headlining, door cards and leather seats.

Just 240 examples were constructed before production switched to steel, but performance remained, to use modern terminology, properly stonking; and to prove so, Jaguar took an XK120 to Jabbeke in Belgium where it clocked a whip-cracking 126mph.

The XK120 proved to be a redoubtable rally car, further enhancing its sporting credentials and by the time production ceased in 1954, a whopping 12,055 had been sold. But, as we shall see later, most were exported leaving very few for the home market – however this is just one of those latter cars.