This 1953 Jaguar XK120 SE Roadster was manufactured on January 21, 1953 and distributed in the US through Max Hoffman Motors of New York City. It is finished in Battleship Grey over a red interior and is powered by a 3.4-liter inline-six mated to a Tremec five-speed manual transmission. Additional equipment includes an aluminum radiator, a high-torque starter, front disc brakes, body-color 16” wire wheels, a tan soft top and side curtains, front fog lamps, and fixed-back bucket seats. The car previously participated in the 1992 California Mille and was acquired by the selling dealer on BaT in May 2022 before being purchased by the current owner in 2024. This XK120 is now offered on by the selling dealer in New York with a tool kit, partial service records, a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, removed parts, and a clean Florida title.
Finished from the factory in Battleship Grey, the car was repainted during the late 1980s and is fitted with a tan soft top and removable side curtains. Exterior details include split chrome front bumpers, Lucas-style front fog lamps, dual side mirrors, and a split windshield. The hood was replaced during previous ownership. A scratch on the lower body is shown in the gallery.
Body-color 16” wire wheels wear two-eared spinners and are mounted with 205/65 Kumho Solus KR21 tires. Braking is handled by front discs and rear drums. The brake master cylinder was replaced in December 2020.
The cabin houses fixed-back bucket seats trimmed in red upholstery along with matching door panels and carpeting. A fire extinguisher is found behind the seats and additional appointments include map pockets in both doors, lap belts, a passenger grab handle, a smaller four-spoke steering wheel, and black rubber floor mats. The brake and clutch pedals are said to have been shortened in 2014.
Smiths instrumentation consists of a reverse-sweep 6k-rpm tachometer with an inset clock, a 140-mph speedometer, and gauges for amperage, oil pressure, water temperature, and fuel level. The five-digit odometer shows 31k miles, and total mileage is unknown.
The 3.4-liter inline-six features dual SU carburetors, a high-torque starter, an aluminum radiator, MSD ignition wires, and an aftermarket alternator. Higher-compression pistons and C-type camshafts are said to have been installed during the mid-1970s. An oil change was performed in October 2021.
Cylinder head stamping W7266-8S is shown above.
A Tremec five-speed manual transmission was installed in 2014 and a stainless-steel exhaust system was fitted in 2020.
The Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate lists the original completion date, serial numbers, and colors.