1954 Jaguar XK120 3.4 Special Equipment Roadster

Museum quality. A term often used, but this stunning XK120 actually was a museum piece...

The XK120 deserves its iconic status as the car that epitomises British racing. From its first victory in the UK at Silverstone in 1949 and then across 'the pond' to NASCAR in the USA in 1954, the XK in various guises collected trophies and accolades at virtually every race it entered. The roster of stars, such as Sir Stirling Moss and Clarke Gable, who raced and cruised in the XK120 is a testament to its versatility and desirability.

This XK120 3.4 in left hand drive is the desirable Special Equipment model . Each SE had fitted to the interior a plaque bearing the words: 'It is certified that this Jaguar car is an exact replica of the record-breaking car which attained the speed of 132.6mph at Jabbeke Belgium, 30 May, 1949. William Haynes, Chief Engineer, Jaguar Cars. We are told that the original plaque is still in place.

Having spent a majority of its life in Victoria, British Columbia, the car has always been the recipient of care and maintenance, a coveted weekend driver up until the 1990s, at which point it joined a large collection at a private Canadian museum. Always kept out of the elements, when the previous owner bought the car it was still impressively original and solid, providing an excellent platform for the thorough restoration he commissioned approximately sixteen years ago. We are told by the vendor that the car had 48,000 on the odometer before the restoration whereupon it was reset. Today the odometer reads 00754. Following restoration the car resided with the vendor in California where it was used sparingly, it was repatriated to the UK in 2014.

Maintained to the highest standard by previous owners this best of breed example has spent some time as a showpiece at a Jaguar dealership, it is quite literally a showroom car. Subjected to an extensive restoration the car presents very well, and mechanically it has benefitted from recent works to produce faultless motoring. These include the fitting of new brake cylinders and clutch. The SU carburettors have also been refurbished, the ignition system upgraded and the whole car treated to a thorough service. New chrome plated wire wheels have also been fitted. The roof, biscuit leather interior and accessories are in superlative order.

Offered with an impeccable history file, including recent bills, the XK comes complete with side-screens and tonneau cover. Perhaps it is time for this Big Cat to be released into the wild, it is certainly well prepared for it.