HISTORY OF THE XK120:
The Jaguar XK120 was unveiled in 1948 at the London Motor Show,
originally designed as a testbed for a new engine by Jaguar
chairman and design czar Sir William Lyons. Its sleek styling and
potent XK engine quickly captured the attention of sporting-minded
enthusiasts worldwide. The "120" designation reflected its claimed
top speed of 120 mph - a claim that proved true, making it the
fastest production car in the world at the time. Public enthusiasm
for its flowing curves and balanced proportions was so strong that
production began in 1949. From 1951 to 1954, only 2,678 Fixed Head
Coupes were built, the vast majority of which were left-hand drive
for the American market.
The Fixed Head Coupe also occupies a unique place in American
motorsport history. Prior to 2007, it was the only
foreign-manufactured automobile to win a NASCAR race. Driven by Al
Keller, the No. 4 Jaguar captured victory in the June 1954
International 100 at Linden Airport in New Jersey. The first-place
finish led NASCAR to ban Foreign made cars shortly thereafter,
which only helped to fuel America's fascination with the then
fastest production car in the world!
Beginning in 1951, the XK120 could be ordered in Special Equipment
(SE) specification. The SE cars offered stiffer suspension, and
wire wheels. Output increased from 160 to 180 horsepower thanks to
higher-lift camshafts and a twin-pipe exhaust system. Exact
production figures of the SE models are not publicly known, but it
is believed that approximately 753 were assembled in Fixed Head
Coupe Form
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED:
The 1953 Jaguar XK120 SE Fixed Head Coupe is featured here and is
finished in its factory correct color combination of Lavender Grey
over a Red leather interior. According to the accompanying
Jaguar-Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate Chassis No. S680968 was
completed at the Coventry works on March 18th 1953 and dispatched
later that month to Hoffman's in New York.
While its original owner is not documented, S680968 is believed to
have entered its second ownership in Michigan during August 1955. A
Detroit resident would care for the Jaguar for more than three
decades before selling it in 1987 to another Michigan enthusiast
who would remain its caretaker for the next 35 years.
During this long-term Michigan ownership, Chassis No. S680968
received a sympathetic restoration with all new interior trimmings,
and a fresh exterior respray in the original Lavender Grey; shade
that even today exhibits a sandy beige hue, that the Jaguar Factory
Color exhibited when new.
IT'S ALIVE! originally acquired the XK120 SE for our collection in
March 2022 from the Michigan caretaker of 35 years. After some
light servicing and correcting the door striker alignment by our
in-house specialists, IT'S ALIVE! later sold the car to its current
owner/our consignor in February 2025. Purchased with the intention
of participating in historic rallies and touring events throughout
the United States, IT'S ALIVE! was commissioned to perform an
extensive series of improvements designed to enhance reliability,
performance, comfort, and overall driver enjoyment.
Between February and August 2025, more than $90,000 USD was
invested into Chassis No. S680968, with improvements touching
virtually every major mechanical system including the engine, fuel
delivery, cooling, drivetrain, suspension, braking system, and
interior. Rather than alter the essence of the XK120, the objective
was to create a more capable grand touring machine that could be
enjoyed confidently on modern roads while preserving the character
that made the model an icon. Importantly, these improvements were
completed as part of a single, cohesive build rather than
accumulated over decades, resulting in a Jaguar whose systems were
engineered to complement one another rather than simply adding
isolated upgrades.
At the center of the transformation is an Individual Throttle Body
Electronic Fuel Injection system from JENVEY DYNAMICS, managed by
an EMERALD ECU, both highly respected names in British performance
engineering. The conversion delivers improved starting, throttle
response, drivability, and consistency while allowing the legendary
XK Twin-Cam Six to deliver its full potential.
Supporting those gains are numerous complementary upgrades
throughout the engine bay including a high-torque starter, upgraded
front crankshaft seal and timing chain tensioner, spin-on oil
filter conversion, new clutch and flywheel, fresh engine mounts,
reconditioned fuel tank, aluminum radiator, electric cooling fan,
new water pump, thermostat, hoses, and associated service items.
Exhaust gases exit through a beautifully crafted polished
stainless-steel Sport Silencer twin-pipe exhaust system from
CLASSICFABS of Scotland, providing both improved breathing and an
appropriately sporting soundtrack.
Equally transformative is the driving experience. A modern TREMEC
five-speed transmission from American Powertrain replaces the
factory four-speed gearbox, making the XK120 significantly more
enjoyable on today's roads while maintaining the engaging character
expected of Jaguar's first postwar sports car. Suspension
improvements include a comprehensive front-end rebuild with SPAX
shock absorbers, polyurethane bushings, new ball joints, and tie
rods, complemented by rebuilt rear lever shocks and a front disc
brake conversion that substantially improves driver confidence.
Inside, thoughtful driver-focused upgrades include a Moto-Lita
wood-rim steering wheel, custom floor-mounted pedal assembly, new
heater core, fresh seat belts, and a Jaguar-logo shift knob,
creating an environment that feels purposeful without losing the
XK120's period charm.
Recognizing the historical significance of the car, many of the
original components have been carefully retained. The SU
carburetors accompany the sale, while the original numbers-matching
four-speed gearbox remains with the consignor in Pennsylvania and
is available to be shipped directly to the next owner at their
expense.
After taking possession of the XK120 SE in the late Summer of 2025,
the consignor's personal life presented a change of priorities and
thus IT'S ALIVE! has been tasked with finding this thoughtfully
enhanced Jaguar's next caretaker.
IT'S ALIVE! is proud to offer this outstanding XK120 SE FHC with
tasteful enhancements to the most discerning collector or
enthusiast who appreciates the legacy of the XK120 model while
enjoying it to its fullest potential. If you are the next caretaker
of this classic, please contact us at 314-710-6600 ext 140 or email
us at
[email protected].
