1954 Jaguar XK120 SE Roadster, Registration no. VSU 919 Chassis no. 676070

• Left-hand drive
• Restored in the early 1990s
• Only some 1,500 miles covered since restoration
• Bills and photographs available

Conceived and constructed in but a few months, the XK120 debuted at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show where the stunning-looking roadster caused a sensation, the resulting demand for what was then the world's fastest production car taking Jaguar by surprise. It was immediately obvious that the slow-to-produce alloy bodywork would have to go, and the car was swiftly re-engineered in steel. The work of Jaguar boss William Lyons himself and one of the most beautiful shapes ever to grace an automobile, the body was conceived as a coachbuilt aluminium structure for the simple reason that Jaguar expected to sell no more than 200 XK120s in the first year!

The car's heart was, of course, the fabulous XK engine, a 3.4-litre 'six' embodying 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. The XK120 set new standards of comfort, roadholding and performance for British sports cars and, in keeping with the Jaguar tradition, there was nothing to touch it at the price. Coupé and drophead coupé versions followed, and for customers who found the standard car too slow, there was the Special Equipment (SE) package which boosted power 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.

This left-hand drive XK120 SE roadster was in poor condition when purchased by the previous owner in Germany in 1989. Its history prior to that date is unknown, though the then indicated mileage of circa 68,000 seemed believable given the car's condition. The accompanying Jaguar dating letter shows that '676070' had been delivered new to Hamburg, Germany finished in Pastel Blue with matching interior trim and French Grey hood.

Over the following three years, the XK was completely stripped and rebuilt with no expense spared by the best available craftsmen under the then owner's supervision at a cost of £45,887, the work being entrusted to various specialists rather than one company. Trimming was entrusted to Suffolk & Turley, recognised as the foremost authority on Jaguar trim, while any body panels required were supplied and fitted by Classic Parts & Panels.

The bodyshell was specially prepared by Cleaning Consultants using plastic media to avoid any damage, following which it was sent to Wimbledon Autos for further preparation prior to repainting by Barrycars of Chessington. All box sections of the chassis and body cavities were protected with Waxoyl.

General mechanical work was undertaken by the previous owner with specialist assistance from Hardy Engineering for the gearbox and rear axle; details of other specialists involved may be found in the history file. Engine work was carried out by a Jaguar engineer working for one of the major restoration companies. Every attempt was made to use original-specification parts, even to the extent of ordering the correct fuel line clips from Holland. Restoration bills and photographs are on file.

Purchased by the current vendor in 1994 soon after the restoration's completion, the car has covered only some 1,500 miles since then and is presented in commensurately good condition. Accompanying documentation consists of a current MoT, V5C Registration certificate, and the aforementioned restoration records.