1952 Jaguar XK120 Roadster - Remarkable Originality

Few post-war British sports cars occupy the same revered position as the Jaguar XK120, and fewer still survive today with the level of originality displayed by this remarkable Roadster. Chassis #672314 represents an increasingly elusive opportunity to acquire a truly preserved example of Jaguar’s landmark sports car - one that tells its story through authenticity rather than restoration.

According to its accompanying Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, this XK120 was supplied through legendary American Jaguar importer Hoffman of New York and dispatched on 17th June 1952. Finished from new in the highly attractive combination of Lavender Grey over Suede Green leather, the car retains a remarkable degree of originality and remains a compelling testament to the quality and durability of Jaguar's early post-war sports cars.

The XK120 was purchased by Carl Llewelyn, a decorated Second World War Fighter Pilot veteran, and remained in his ownership for more than 40 years while residing in Maryland, USA. Cherished and carefully retained throughout his custodianship, the Jaguar stayed with Mr Llewelyn until his passing at the age of 94. Such prolonged single ownership is extraordinarily rare and forms a cornerstone of the car’s exceptional provenance.

Following its time in America, the car passed through the respected Byrnes Motor Trust before being acquired by its current custodian. Recognising the significance of such an original survivor, the decision was made not to undertake a cosmetic restoration, but instead to preserve the car’s remarkable authenticity. The result is a motor car that remains highly evocative of its original specification and presentation, avoiding the over-restored character often associated with concours-restored examples.

Most significantly, the car retains its original paintwork and original leather upholstery, an almost unheard-of distinction among XK120s more than seven decades after production. The leather interior has been sympathetically conserved by specialists at Bicester Heritage, preserving the character, patina and visual integrity accumulated throughout its lifetime while ensuring its long-term preservation.

Beneath the surface, considerable expenditure has ensured the car is equally impressive mechanically. Accompanying documentation confirms that some £50,000 has been invested in expert restoration and recommissioning works in the current ownership. The engine and gearbox were recommissioned by Knight Engineering, while the chassis, suspension and running gear were comprehensively restored and detailed to a high standard. The only major component replaced was the original steel fuel tank, which had deteriorated with age and was replaced with a correct replacement aluminium unit.

The XK remains matching-numbers throughout, with its identity and specification confirmed by the Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate and original registration documentation. In addition to its original State of Maryland title, the car is offered with a UK V5C registration document and a substantial history file detailing its ownership, preservation and mechanical restoration.

For collectors who value authenticity above perfection, chassis #672314 represents a genuinely rare opportunity. Combining long-term ownership, remarkable originality, matching-numbers status and extensive sympathetic recommissioning, this outstanding XK120 stands as one of the most honest and compelling examples of the model available today. Equally suited to the world’s most prestigious preservation-focused concours events and enjoyable road use, it presents as a highly credible contender for the coveted Pebble Beach Preservation Class and a wonderful ambassador for Jaguar’s sporting heritage.