1949 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

This XK120 is only the 25th left-hand-drive example built by Jaguar; early cars like this one were hand-built with aluminum bodies on ash wood frames. And many of them were raced out of the box, as may have been the case for this example. In 1950 Jaguar switched to mass-production using pressed-steel bodies. Early XK120s posted top speeds over 120 mph in magazine testing, and a specially prepared example reached almost 137 mph, making it the world's fastest production car. This car was imported through Max Hoffman, who was responsible for bringing many great European cars to America. This car has Brooklands screens, Lucas flamethrowers, and Dunlop racing wheels.

The car was built on November 9th of 1949. It was originally finished in black with red leather upholstery. The car was sold through US Jaguar distributor Max Hoffman in New York City and immediately used as a race car. It is believed that noted driver M.R.J. 'Doc' Wyllie campaigned this car in East Coast sports car races before he acquired a C-Type in 1954.

This car was continuously updated with more advanced Jaguar components to help keep it competitive through the years. It has been given a 3.8-liter engine, C-Type head, larger SU carburetors, disc brakes and lightweight C-Type bucket seats.
The car was jointly owned for many years by Paul Peattie and Ali Lugo d'Armas. Subsequent owners include Rob Mooney who continued to race the Jaguar in vintage events at VIR Lime Rock, and Bridgehampton.

The current owner acquired the car in 2007 and immediately commissioned an exhaustive nut-and-bolt restoration. Between 2007 and 2009, the car was completely restored to concours standards while integrating the finest mechanical features for improved performance and drivability.

The 3.8-liter engine is equipped with SU sandcast carburetors, reworked camshafts, and a ported and polished C-Type head. The engine now produces more than 300 horsepower. There is an improved Borg-Warner five-speed gearbox with front disc brakes and lightweight Dunlop racing wheels.

The car is finished in Battleship Grey with brown leather upholstery. There are rare C-Type-style lightweight seats, Brooklands screens, leather bonnet strap, outside fuel filler, Lucas tri-beam headlamps, and auxiliary spotlights.

In August of 2009, the car was shown at the Carmel-By-The-Seas Concours where it earned Best in Class honors. In 2010, it was shown at the Amelia Island Concours and the Belmont Concours d'Elegance. In 2011, it participated in the Presidio of San Francisco Concours d'Elegance.

The car has completed both the California Mille and the Colorado Grand without incident. Since its restoration, the car has been driven just 2,500 miles.

Though not installed, the car still retains its XK120 windshield, tool roll, JDHT Certificate, and a complete file of restoration and service receipts.