1953 Jaguar XK120 Fixedhead Coupe

The XK120 was conceived as a coach built aluminium structure for the simple reason that Jaguar expected to sell no more than 200 XK120s in the first year. The creation of Jaguar boss William Lyons himself, the XK120 proved considerably more popular than expected and demand for what was then the world's fastest production car took Jaguar by surprise. Clearly, the public had been rightly impressed by one of the most beautiful shapes ever to grace an automobile and so the XK120 was re-engineered in steel after just 240 cars had been completed.

The car's heart was, of course, the fabulous XK engine. Conceived in wartime and intended for Jaguar's post-war range-topping saloon, the 3.4-litre six-cylinder embodied the best of modern design, boasting twin overhead camshafts running in an aluminium-alloy cylinder head, seven main bearings, and a maximum output of 160bhp. When installed in the lightweight XK120, the result was a car with a phenomenal power-to-weight ratio and blistering performance.

The XK120 set new standards of comfort, road holding and performance for British sports cars and, in keeping with the Jaguar tradition, there was nothing to touch it at the price. There was the Special Equipment package which boosted power from the stock 160 to 180bhp. With either engine and regardless of the type of bodywork, the XK120 was a genuine 120mph car capable of sustained high-speed cruising.

Chassis '681197' has been the recipient of a superb restoration during 2007-9. This was undertaken by renowned Jaguar specialists Northwick Restorations of Blockley, Gloucestershire and included sand-blasting the chassis, fitting new sills, a bare metal repaint in Old English White (by Tilleys Restorations), engine overhaul, and new MWS wire wheels finished in Burgundy and shod with Blockley tyres which really look the part.

Sympathetic upgrades include a C-Type cylinder head, Getrag five-speed gearbox, disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, alloy radiator, Kenlowe fan, Harvey Bailey handling kit, sound proofing, automatic thermo-choke and a stainless steel exhaust system. Other noteworthy features include red leather bucket seats, a large Monza cast aluminium filler cap, best quality new red carpets, large period twin spots lamps on chrome badge mount bar, bonnet strap, leather spring gaiters and an HMV radio with iPod connection, owners operating/maintenance handbook and period hardback workshop manual.

A many-times local concours winner since its completion in the late 2000s, this much improved XK120 is described as in generally very good/excellent condition, it was recently fed with Evans engine protection low temperature fluid, it is reported to be running extremely well, and is offered with sundry restoration invoices, heritage vehicle road tax certificate, MoT to April 2013 and Swansea V5C registration document.