1951 JAGUAR

- Delivered new in left-hand drive via New York distributor Max Hoffman

- Matching numbers engine, body and chassis

- Finished in a highly sought-after green over tan color scheme

- Underwent a meticulous nut-and-bolt restoration costing approximately £100,000, with only 300 miles since completion

- Enhanced with a five-speed gearbox, front disc brakes, aluminum radiator with thermostatic electric fan, upgraded anti-roll bar, and telescopic dampers

- Offered with an extensive documented restoration file and its JHDT certificate

- Eligible for many of the most prestigious classic tours and events

Chassis No. 671126

Engine No. 3288-8

Body No. F2915

As the first Jaguar to be powered by an in-house engine, the Jaguar XK 120 marked a turning point in the brand's history. Developed under the experimental codename “X”, the engine evolved through the alphabet until it reached the letter “K”: a 3.4-litre inline-six of remarkable refinement. It featured a brand-new aluminum cylinder head with twin overhead camshafts. So exceptional was this engine that it would serve, in various iterations, for decades to come, ultimately concluding its career in 1992!

However, the new saloon intended to showcase this engineering marvel wasn't ready in time for the 1948 London Motor Show. Instead, Jaguar unveiled a striking roadster, designed as a jewel case worthy of the gem beneath its bonnet, with a silhouette sketched almost instinctively and in great haste, an audacious and daring stroke of design.

Named XK for its engine and 120 for the top speed it could reach in miles per hour—an astonishing 190 km/h in the late 1940s—it left the world in awe. Its performance made it the fastest production car in the world at its debut; with only minor modifications and fearless drivers at the wheel, it even managed to reach 219 km/h in 1949.

Its widespread participation in period motorsport stands as a testament to the XK120's sporting character, and performance. Today, it also represents a prized passport to the world's most prestigious historic motoring events.

Shortly after its debut, the XK120 demonstrated remarkable endurance and competitiveness in some of the most challenging races of its era, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Mille Miglia, RAC Tourist Trophy, and various rally events such as the Alpine Rally, RAC Rally, and Monte Carlo Rally. Its exceptional reliability was further proven by record-breaking endurance runs, notably a seven-day non-stop test at Montlhéry in 1952 that covered nearly 17,000 miles at an average speed exceeding 100 mph. The list of victories and remarkable performances achieved at the hands of this legendary car seems almost endless. But the Jaguar XK 120 is not just a racing beast, it is also a refined and elegant roadster, perfectly suited for everyday driving or long, leisurely journeys.

Also unveiled at the New York Auto Show to appeal to a wealthier post-war clientele than in Europe, it was none other than Oscar-winning Hollywood actor Clark Gable who became the first person in North America to receive the production roadster.

According to its Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate this left-hand drive XK 120 Roadster was delivered new in May 1951 through distributor Hoffman in New York, USA, and dealer Columbus Sports Car Co. in Ohio, finished in Pastel Green over Suede Green. Sixty-six years later, still registered in Ohio and retaining its original chassis, engine, and body, this long-dormant restoration project was acquired by antiques dealer Ken Bolan, a discerning eye, widely respected in the 20th-century decorative arts world. The current owners acquired the car from Bolan in 2019, registered it in the United Kingdom, and entrusted the major restoration work to Andy Hopkins of APH Classic Car Restoration, with the aim of fully restoring this XK 120 and returning it to its former glory.

The restoration took three years, during which every detail was carefully considered, not only to ensure the highest quality, but also to preserve the car's originality while improving its usability. Sparing no expense, the total investment approached £100,000. Supervised by Andy Hopkins, each aspect of the restoration was handled by a dedicated specialist. The engine was entrusted to the highly respected Guy Broad; the bodywork handled by Shaftesbury Autobody Repair, with the paintwork completed by North Dorset Car Repairs Ltd; the grille restored by Classic Bumper Services. The interior was trimmed by Piper Trimmers, renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, while the instruments, including the gauges and time clock, were entrusted to Classic Spares & Engineering Ltd, experts in XK instrumentation. Parts were primarily sourced from Coventry Auto Components Ltd, SC Parts Group in West Sussex, specialists in classic British car parts, and SNG Barratt.

A number of upgrades were carried out to enhance drivability and reliability, in line with the car's performance. The original gearbox was replaced with a five-speed unit featuring a 0.73:1 fifth gear ratio, equivalent to the overdrive used on later XK models, along with a diaphragm clutch, significantly lighter to operate than the original spring-type clutch, and a new prop shaft. The braking system was upgraded with a front disc brake conversion, offering greater safety and better performance under load than the original drum brakes. Cooling was improved with an aluminium radiator for more efficient heat dissipation, complemented by a temperature-controlled electric fan. The suspension was also refined, featuring a thicker anti-roll bar and new telescopic dampers for improved handling and comfort. The extensive restoration file is available for consultation, including the vast majority of invoices, numerous photographs, and detailed reports.

The XK 120 represents Jaguar's original sporting model, and this example with its matching-numbers engine, body and chassis, finished in the highly desirable green-over-tan color scheme and fitted with an upgraded five-speed gearbox, has covered a mere 300 miles since its full and comprehensive restoration. It is now ready to take to the road in the hands of its next owner, whether for touring, spirited rallying, or participation in the world's most prestigious classic car events.