1952 Jaguar XK120 Fixed Head Coupe

The Jaguar XK120

As the foundation of Jaguar’s brilliant XK-series sports cars, the significance of the XK120 cannot be overstated. Originally intended simply as a rolling showcase for Jaguar’s all-new “XK” DOHC six-cylinder engine at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show, the rakish prototype roadster garnered such acclaim that production quickly followed. Capable of 120-plus mph in stock form, the XK120’s potential was confirmed when Jaguar test driver Ron Sutton took a lightly modified example to 132 mph during a timed run on a Belgian highway. Racing success came swiftly with the XK120 winning its first race at Silverstone. Production continued into 1954, with the roadster supplemented by the fixed head coupe in 1951 and the drophead coupe in 1953. Just 2,680 fixed head coupes were produced, aimed squarely at the crucial American export market.

This Car

Built on February 20, 1952, this original left-hand-drive example was shipped to Los Angeles and then sold new via Charles Hornburg’s West Coast Jaguar distributorship. It was acquired by the consignor in 2009 following nearly 50 years with one owner who purchased the car in the Seattle area and then took it with him to California and then Texas during his tenure. In April 2011, the consignor commissioned the Jaguar’s complete body-off, nut-and-bolt restoration to concours-level standards, which was performed by Brian Anderson’s Classic European of Vista, California, and just completed in April 2013.

Following restoration, the XK120 was shown twice in July and awarded Second in Class at the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance and Second in Class in Championship-level judging at the San Diego Jaguar Clubs North America Concours d’Elegance. These successful outings were followed by an appearance at the prestigious Quail Motorsports Gathering in August.

Strikingly finished in its original exterior color of Cream over Shell leather with contrasting black piping, the XK120 is tastefully equipped with steel wheels, rear-wheel spats, plus two pieces of custom-fitted luggage, and an original set of driving lamps. A removable auxiliary electric fan ensures cool running. Additional items accompanying the car include a complete tool kit, the original grease gun and foot pump, a reproduction owner’s operating instruction manual, and a restoration book with receipts.

The XK120 continues to be highly prized today, thanks to its excellent performance, abundant parts supplies, strong club support, and skilled marque specialists available to consult. Immaculately presented, this exceptional 1952 XK120 Fixed Head Coupe has travelled less than 100 miles since the expert restoration was completed and is accompanied by a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate. A genuine, matching-numbers example, this fixed head coupe is a relatively rare and particularly elegant example of one of the greatest postwar sporting cars ever conceived.