Built in November 1952 and delivered new via Hornburg, Los Angeles, this Jaguar XK120 Open Two Seater left Coventry as one of the most advanced and desirable sports cars of its era. Finished in its original specification and powered by the high performance 3.4 litre SE engine producing 180 BHP, it represented the pinnacle of post-war British engineering and elegance. This particular example is a matching-numbers car and now benefits from a discreet upgrade to a Getrag five-speed gearbox, enhancing drivability while preserving the original four-speed unit, which accompanies the sale.
Imported to Denmark in 1988, the car underwent a comprehensive nut and bolt restoration between 1993 and 2002 by respected Jaguar XK specialist Erik Hennelund. His meticulous craftsmanship is still evident today, with the car retaining its structural integrity, flawless panel fitment, and showroom-quality presentation more than two decades later.
Since 2022, the XK120 has resided under the care of the Classic Car House in Copenhagen, where it received a thorough mechanical overhaul to complement the earlier cosmetic restoration. The work included a full engine rebuild with new gaskets, pistons, and big end bearings, alongside a reconditioned crankshaft and overhauled cylinder head. In addition, key systems were addressed, including new brakes, clutch, high-capacity battery, and fresh tyres, ensuring the car performs as impressively as it looks.
The odometer currently shows just 2,633 km, which is believed to reflect the distance covered since the restoration’s completion and the more recent servicing period. Supporting invoices from Classic Car House, dated between December 2022 and April 2024, are included and document the car’s careful preparation and ongoing care.
Complementing the mechanical work, additional refinements were carried out, such as brake adjustments, voltage regulator calibration, the installation of a gear reduction starter, a GPS tracking system, clutch tuning, and tachometer cable service. The XK120 has been stored in a climate controlled facility throughout, maintaining its condition to a very high standard.
Mechanically, the car starts easily, runs smoothly, and delivers strong, even compression across all cylinders. A compression test carried out after running-in showed just 5% variation across the board, well within tolerance for a freshly rebuilt engine. The original gearbox, chassis, body, and engine, stamped W6691-8S, confirm this is a genuine matching-numbers car, further underlining its collector-grade status.
The bodywork remains in outstanding condition with no evidence of corrosion, and the interior, trimmed in leather, shows only the lightest signs of careful use. Every aspect of the car from switchgear to suspension has been addressed or evaluated, resulting in a Jaguar that not only stands out for its presentation but is also fully road-ready.
Such examples of the XK120 restored to this level, maintained with diligence, and sympathetically upgraded for modern usability are increasingly rare. This car presents an outstanding opportunity to acquire one of the most influential and iconic British sports cars ever built, equally suited to concours lawns, historic rallies, or long distance touring.
