According to its vendor, this handsome matching numbers Jaguar `is in beautiful condition and in need of no work whatsoever'. A lefthand drive export model it was sold new in 1953 via the company's Los Angeles distributor Hornburg. As now, it was finished in Dove Grey complemented by Tan-coloured interior trim. Apparently it did a modest amount of racing in Arizona in the `70s, the area it spent most of its life in until being shipped to Germany in 1990, where it was stored in a container awaiting a renovation that was never completed. Fast forward to 2015 when it was acquired by a classic car company who sold it to the vendor a year later, following which he instigated a full body-off restoration, during which no corrosion was encountered. The refurbishment involved: a total bare-metal respray; full retrim, including dashboard and carpets; replacement hood; fresh chrome bumpers and grill; and new Guy Broad five-speed gearbox, wire wheels and tyres. The total of the parts alone was over £24,000. It is intended that this desirable XK will be UK registered in time for the sale and it comes complete with Heritage certificate.

The stunning-looking XK120 Roadster caused a sensation when launched at the 1948 London Motorshow. Capable of 120mph and more, it immediately assumed the mantle of the world's fastest production car. The equally elegant Fixed Head Coupe version followed in 1951 with the Drop Head Coupe completing the range in 1953. The key to the car's electrifying performance was its all new, alloy-headed DOHC 3.4-litre, straight-six engine, the basic design of which successfully powered a whole range of Jaguars until the late `80s. In order to confirm the model's top speed potential to the press, the second XK120 built was driven flat out on the Jabbeke straight, Belgium, achieving an astonishing 136.596mph in stripped form.

PLEASE NOTE: All estimates are subject to a buyer's premium of 15% incl. VAT (@ 20%)