Arriving during Britain’s austere early postwar years, the XK120 was positively shocking when it debuted in 1948. It was impossibly modern, both aesthetically and technically. This latter part was especially important, as the car was originally introduced to showcase Jaguar’s exciting new twin-cam engine, since the new saloon for which it was developed was not yet ready. Intended for low-volume production, the XK120 featured handmade aluminum bodywork. However, strong demand persuaded Jaguar to retool for mass production with steel bodies after 242 alloy-bodied examples had been built.

These alloy-bodied cars represent a small fraction of the more than 12,000 XK120s built and are therefore prized by collectors. Accordingly, this example received an extensive bare-metal restoration to high standards during the late 1980s. According to its accompanying JDHT certificate, the car was restored in its handsome as-delivered color combination and retains its original engine block. The certificate also confirms that this example was originally delivered to the US, as many XK120s were, and sold new to J.L. Albert via Clayrich Motors of St. Louis, Missouri. Since its restoration, this Alloy Roadster has been carefully owned by several knowledgeable collectors including Terry Larson and Mark J. Smith. It remains a handsome example of the most desirable road-going XK120 – ideal for extensive use, including participation in the numerous driving events for which it is eligible.