1950 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

UK-supplied in right-hand drive on the 24th November 1950 by Henlys of London

Matching numbers and fully restored by XK-specialists Guy Broad

Subtly upgraded with telescopic shock absorbers, Coopercraft brakes and Britax safety belts

Recently serviced by Cotswold Classic Restorations at a cost of £2,107 in July 2018

A myriad of receipts, buff log book, a copy of Classic Car Magazine with 327 XUY as a cover car

In private ownership since 2013, other notable owners include Jaguar-expert Nigel Dawes

Offered at a quarter the price of a contemporary Ferrari with similar performance, the combination proved unbeatable and without doubt, the XK became a milestone for both the company and the country. Orders simply flooded in, taking Jaguar by surprise as the car was planned to be an interim model used solely to generate enthusiasm for the new XK engine destined for the new Mk VII saloon, and they had only planned to produce 200 units.

At the heart of the William Lyons-styled Roadster was the all-new 3.4 six-cylinder engine featuring twin overhead camshafts, twin SU carburettors, and producing 160BHP. This output combined with the cars class-leading aerodynamics resulted in a 0-60mph time of sub 10 seconds and a top speed of over 120mph, a figure reflected in the car's name. It was to become a massive success in both the showroom and in motorsport, winning Le Mans in 1951 and '53.

This car is a genuinely exceptional, UK-market, right-hand drive car first supplied on 24th November 1950 by Henlys of London. It can only be described today as being in highly original condition, confirmed by the matching numbers on the chassis, body, engine and gearbox. Restored completely by XK experts, Guy Broad, the Opalescent Silver paintwork has been refinished to a very high standard indeed and contrasts beautifully with the patinated red leather upholstery. The car has settled well from its restoration and now benefits from some minor but important upgrades including telescopic shock absorbers (rather than lever arms), a 'Coopercraft' brake conversion, period-style Britax safety belts, and a stainless steel exhaust.

The comprehensive history file shows both ownership and restoration history with a number of relevant invoices, and also records a period of ownership by noted Jaguar expert and Bon Viveur - Nigel Dawes of Birtsmorton Court. There is also a copy of the December 1996 issue of Classic Car magazine where this particular car featured on the front cover. Purchased through us in 2013 by a regular buyer who is a fastidious collector, the car has been kept in a "Carcoon", used for jaunts to Goodwood Revival, and benefitted in July from some £2,107 worth of servicing works at Cotswold Classic Restorations, the local specialists that looks after all of our vendor's cars. Complete with the original buff logbook, "327 XUY" is ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian.