The Jaguar XK120 was a turning point for Jaguar. Their first sports car in nearly a decade, the XK line began as a concept car not intended for the general public, but solely as a show car for the new XK-Type engine. The concept caused such enthusiastic demand that Jaguar's founder, William Lyons, pushed the XK120 into production with minimal modification. Named after its top speed of 120 miles per hour, the XK120 was the fasted production car in the world at the time of its release. It quickly began dominating motorsports and production sales alike, causing an upheaval in the sports car market. Jaguar pushed its performance even further by offering a limited "SE" version of the XK120, standing for "Special Equipment." The SE cam equipped with higher lift camshafts, twin exhaust pipes, and a more sport-oriented suspension. The SE produced nearly 20 additional horsepower over the base 3.4L XK120 and targeted the motoring enthusiasts over the typical automotive consumer.
This 1954 Jaguar XK120 SE is a fantastic example, finished in a tasteful pastel yellow over a tan leather interior. It was the recipient of a high-end restoration with a quality of work that has maintained to this day. The interior has remained like-new, and mechanically this XK is in pristine condition. For those looking forward to a spirited Sunday morning drive or taking part in a vintage road rally, few vehicles offer the same performance, prominence, and style of the XK120 SE.
