Beschreibung:

The Jaguar XK120 was the first Jaguar manufactured after World War II, built between 1948 and 1954; it succeeded the SS 100 two seat roadster which ceased production in 1940. The XK120 was launched in roadster form at the 1948 London Motor Show as a test bed and show car for the new Jaguar XK engine. It caused a sensation which persuaded William Lyons to put it into production. It was available in two convertible versions; first as the roadster then also as a drophead coupé from 1953 and as a closed, or fixedhead coupé from 1951. This very late Jaguar XK120 Roadster, dating from the final year of production, was sold new in the USA and stayed there for several decades until it was repatriated in the late 1980's. In the early 1990's, it underwent a considerable amount of very high-quality restoration work at Longmate's Vintage Restorations of Norfolk which included rebuilding the car to entirely correct righthand drive specification. After some years' use, however, the car changed hands once more, this time passing into the ownership of an executive of the Bechtel Civil Engineering Corporation in 1997. Having returned to California, however, after what was clearly a very enjoyable period of ownership in Europe, he found the righthand drive configuration impractical and, for a second time in its life, the car crossed the Atlantic. One of the most interesting items in the car's history file is a letter describing the fun he had with the car including trips to the south of France as he puts it 'without incident'! Having had only very sparing use in last few years, it has just undergone some precautionary re-commissioning work at the premises of the well-known London vintage car authority Bob Thredder, including work to the braking system and new chromed wire wheels. Details of these works can be found in the car's history file along with an XK120 handbook, maintenance records and parts purchased while in America. This stunning XK120 Roadster when returned to the UK the first time was repainted the traditional British Racing Green which remains in very good condition and has clearly been the result of very careful use and maintenance. The interior is trimmed in a contrasting shade of biscuit hide, including the dashboard. The car retains all its weather equipment, hood and side-screens in black vinyl and is supplied with a V5C registration document, old MoT test certificates and a file containing invoices from the 1993 restoration and a letter dated 1999 from the previous owner. This is an excellent example which is ready to be used and enjoyed.