1953 Jaguar XK120 Fixedhead Coupe with Period Competition History

Introduced in 1948 to the public at the London Motor Show, the Jaguar XK120 and subsequent variants would become a defining sportscar of the Fifties. Its early competition pedigree convinced William Lyons that a concerted Le Mans effort would yield rewards after a strong showing from the 1950 three-car XK120 entry. In 1951 and 1953 Jaguar won Le Mans with the C-type (XK120C). In what could only be described as a truly purple patch for the Coventry manufacturer, the combination of strong world sales and winners of blue ribband events around the world meant Jaguar could do no wrong. Even when Works efforts failed, Privateers took on the winning mantle. In 1956, the small Edinburgh based team, Ecurie Ecosse, won Le Mans with drivers Ron Flockhart and Ninian Sanderson in a Jaguar D-type.

Offered here is a stunning Jaguar XK120 with a fascinating history that links it directly to Ecurie Ecosse's victory at Le Mans in 1956. In May 1953, this car was despatched from the factory to Singapore and raced by Charles Eames, a keen amateur driver and member of the British High Commission. He continued to update the engine as parts became available and naturally changed the colour from factory Pastel Blue to British Racing Green. It was campaigned throughout the Fifties and was eventually sold in 1961 to Sir James Lockerbie OBE, a former benefactor of the Ecurie Ecosse race team, and now steward of the Singapore Vintage Vehicle Club. Development continued and the now registered "SU 457' Jaguar won numerous events with Lockerbie now President of the Singapore Motor Club.

In 1961, Ron Flockhart - a very competent aviator - was preparing for an attempt on the record flight time from Sydney to London in a WWII Mustang. As a former schoolmate and Ecurie Ecosse team sponsor, Lockerbie and Flockhart had remained friends. It is believed that during his preparations for his solo attempt on the record Flockhart had stayed with the Lockerbie's in Singapore and competed in two events in "SU 457'. These were the Thompson Road Grand Prix and the Gap Hill Climb, which would later be won by Lockerbie in February 1962. In April 1962 Ron Flockhart perished when his Mustang crashed in Australia during preparations for his record attempt.

James Lockerbie OBE returned to Scotland and shipped the car to Southampton where it duly arrived in 1975 (shipping docs available). It was then registered in the UK as 351 DEL and placed for refurbishment with B J Ward Developments of Basingstoke who made it roadworthy (MoT and tax disc in documentation) and in 1981 it was driven by James to his home in Gifford near A1 Classic Cars, East Lothian, Scotland. It was used locally on occasions until 1990. By then it needed more thorough renovation and the car was partially restored locally including engine refurbishment, bodywork repairs and re-painting in its original Pastel Blue. However the renovation was not completed and the car lay as a project for some years until it was found by A1 Classic Cars LLP in January 2010. It was then partially completed with a new interior including leather, carpets, woodwork and headlining, some bodywork upgrades, a full re-spray. Once adopted by our vendor the XK was painstakingly finished to the exceptional standard we see today.

Finished in factory Pastel Blue with blue leather, this historic XK120 is a very unspoiled example that retains much of its originality. Many of the original tuning parts and modifications are present and it even has the same alloy fuel tank. Uniquely, period trophies come with the car, which completes the marriage and the history of this period racer. The past history of this Jaguar XK120 and further investigation is surely a must for a new owner. These cars were renowned for their touring abilities and the prospect of increased power and handling makes this a remarkable car in itself. A true investment with an immense sense of ownership given the history involved.