1954 Jaguar XK 120 SE Fixed Head Coupé Lot n° 25

Complete restoration at Guy Broad High performance mechanics Sold with its engine block and original gearbox Collector's French car registration document Chassis no.: S681337 While the Second World War left the automobile production tool drained, many brands saw this period as an opportunity to present models of a new kind. In 1948, few sports cars were available on the market and it was the moment chosen by William Lyons to present the XK 120. Designed by the wind, powered by a new 160 hp double overhead camshaft engine, the name of the model corresponds to the speed it was capable of reaching, a rarity at the time: 120 miles. The car quickly made a name for itself on the racetracks and on the Montlhéry ring, where one model covered more than 25,000 km non-stop at an average speed of 160 km/h. Its very attractive price for the time brought a remarkable commercial success with a little more than 12,000 units sold, before finally giving way to the new XK 140. The Jaguar XK 120 Fixed Head Coupé that we present was sold new in 1954 by the Jaguar dealer in Los Angeles. As evidenced by its Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate, the bodywork is originally in the Pastel Green colour with a leather interior in Suede Green. The car arrived from the United States in 2002, when an English collector in France decided to add it to his collection. Particularly fond of the Coventry firm, its owner also admires the work of Jaguar specialist Nigel Dawes. The Englishman had worked in the 1990s on the modification of several XK 120 coupes. The engine, gearbox, braking system, suspension and even the bodywork were all upgraded to improve the car's performance. This XK 120 was entrusted in 2003 to the English tuner Guy Broad for a complete restoration. The bodywork was then stripped bare and repainted in the almond green colour specific to Nigel Dawes' XK. The front bonnet is fitted with louvres to allow better heat dissipation from the 6-cylinder engine, which has also undergone a major overhaul. It receives 3 SU carburetors, a straight port cylinder head, XK 150 manifolds, an XJ6 ignition distributor and is coupled to a 5-speed gearbox. Although started in 2003, the restoration of this XK 120 will only be completed by Guy Broad in 2015. The work done is superb and the materials used are of excellent quality. Having not been driven much in the last few years, this XK 120 coupe is just waiting to hit the road again, but a mechanical overhaul is recommended if you want to drive long distances. This very elegant English coupe is offered at an attractive price, and it should be noted that the original engine block, carburetors and gearbox sold with the car will be available for pick-up from the current owner.