1949 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

There were 240 hand-built, alloy-bodied roadsters constructed, and this example (chassis number 670005), was the first XK120 imported into the United States. It left the Jaguar factory in the non-standard color of Blue Sheen, and was the only example that was painted in this shade.

It was dispatched on August 17th of 1949 and was the fifth left-hand drive XK to leave the factory. It was delivered to the Manhattan car dealer Max Hoffman. Shortly after receiving the car, Hoffman brought it to the second annual Watkins Glen Grand Prix. The car was used as the official parade vehicle prior to the start of the weekend's main event.

Either during or prior to the Watkins Glen event, 670005 was sold to Austin James of New York. The next owner was Donald Batchelder, followed by the Brockman family in 1957. The Brockman's would retain the car for the next three decades. The current caretaker took possession of the car in 1985. The car was complete, but was in need of a sympathetic restoration. Between October 2005 and June of 2008, the car was given a no-expense-spared complete cosmetic and mechanical restoration.

Upon completion, the car was put on the show circuit, beginning at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in 2009. At the JCNA biennial Challenge Championship in San Antonio, Texas, this XK was hailed as the 2009 Concours Champion in Class C02 (Champion Class). During its next appearance, at the 2009 Jaguar Club of Florida Concours, the XK was bestowed with Best of Show and Best of Class honors, scoring a perfect 100 points. At the Suncoast Jaguar Club Concours later that year, it received yet another 100-point judgment and received First Place in the Champion Class. 670005 was judged at an average score of 99.99 points by JCNA for the 2009 Concours Championship season.

670005 won the JCNA award in both 2009 and 2010 for First Place in Slalom Class B (1949—1961 XK120, 140 and 150) and, in so doing, recorded the fastest time in JCNA history, eclipsing the previous record set in 1997.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Amelia Island, Florida where it was estimated to sell for $375,000 - $550,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $385,000 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2011