Description
Offered for sale is a Concours winning, frame-off restored, exceptionally rare, numbers matching 1953 Jaguar XK120 Special Equipment (SE) Fixed Head Coupe (FHC), finished in timeless black over red Connolly leather with red Wilton wool carpets. Only 2,484 left hand drive XK120 FHCs were produced, of which very few were Special Equipment (SE) cars that came equipped with high-lift camshafts, stiffer front torsion bars, dual exhaust, knock off wire wheels and fog lamps. Distributed new through Jaguar’s original U.S. distributor Charles Hornburg in West Los Angeles, this XK120 has always been a California car. Since 1980 the car has been owned by a true Jaguar enthusiast in Los Gatos, California. Under his direction the car underwent an outstanding, no expense spared, frame off restoration twenty years ago, prompting it to win numerous awards at multiple Concours and shows, including Best in Class at the prestigious Hillsborough Concours in Burlingame, CA.
Since its restoration the car has been fastidiously maintained and cared for, which, in conjunction with the incredible quality level of the restoration, has yielded the exceptional example you see here today, the car having held up phenomenally well. Having owned dozens of cars that were the recipients of older concours quality restorations, it is virtually impossible for us to determine whether or not this was restored five years ago or ten, but we would never have guessed its true age.
The finish is excellent, retaining astonishing depth and luster, marred only by the most minimal of imperfections (a couple of minor cracks), none of which are significant enough to have appeared in any of the pictures. The body is exceptionally straight with consistent panel fits and gaps, the brightwork, rubber and glass are all fantastic and the chrome knock off wire wheels are in great shape, wrapped in complimentary wide white wall tires with plenty or remaining tread. The interior is equally impeccable. The Connolly leather seats are virtually flawless, as are the Wilton wool carpets, interior panels and headliner. The opulent walnut burl veneered dash and door caps are absolutely gorgeous, restored by Guy Broad and Co. in England. All the gauges, electrical components, switches and knobs function and all of the locks, releases and window regulators work as they should. The car’s undercarriage shows its age, but is entirely solid and correct.
Mechanically the car’s fantastic. The original numbers matching engine starts immediately upon pushing the ignition button, idling consistently and pulling strongly and smoothly through each of the transmission’s gears. After prolonged driving at highway speeds the car shows no indication of overheating, its dual SU carburetors perform perfectly, and the compression is excellent. The car drives and brakes straight, the suspension is tight, the drive quality is visceral and grin-inducing. We can comfortably say that we’ve not driven a stronger XK120. The car comes with a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Certificate, an original owners manual, full spare tire, knock off hammer, jack and a rare full tool kit.
Considering its gorgeous aesthetic condition and strong mechanicals, this would be ideal candidate for touring events such as the Colorado Grand, California Mille, etc. That said, regardless of its next owners’ intentions, we’re certain this car will provide its next owner with years of pleasure and pride of ownership. They don’t come around like this very often.
