1953 Jaguar XK-120 SE 3.4 OTS
Specifications |
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| Stock: | J53-334 |
| Current condition: | UNDER RESTORATION |
| Performance: | 3.4 L, 3,442 cc double overhead camshaft inline 3.4 engine, 2 SU carbs |
| Transmission: | 4 speed manual |
| Suspension: | Independent front torsion bar and rear leaf spring |
| Color exterior: | Cream |
| Color interior: | Suede Green |
| Mileage: | 78,226 |
| Wheels: | Chrome wire wheels |
| Tires: | General Jet Air 6.0 X 16 |
| Vin #: | S674334 |
| Engine #: | F1146-8S |
| Gearbox #: | JL19902 |
| Other 1: | Body Numer: F6492 |
Description
An amazingly original, numbers-matching example still dressed in its factory Cream and Suede Green color combination, this 1953 Jaguar XK120 Special Equipment Roadster was owned for decades by two prominent Jaguar collectors who cared greatly about preserving its originality. Built on November 24, 1953, it was dispatched through Max Hoffman’s New York dealership and first delivered to Dr. A.C. Wyken of Columbus, Ohio, before passing to another longtime collector in the same area. Accompanied by a Jaguar Heritage Certificate verifying authenticity, this documented XK120 SE is now undergoing a full concours-level restoration at Classic Showcase. Recently, the team reached a major milestone by separating the coachwork from the chassis as body-off restoration work commenced, and the car is now actively progressing through the body shop. In parallel, our upholstery department has already completed a newly trimmed set of seats in preparation for final assembly. We had known of this exceptional XK120 for years before it finally became available, and we look forward to sharing continued restoration progress as this important Jaguar moves toward completion.
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History
In 1951 the ‘SE’ spec was introduced. In American markets it was called "MC" to note the car used the high-performance cylinder heads from the Jaguar C-Type Le Mans race car, along with largely SU carburetors, and dual exhaust pipes offering a power boost to 210 bhp at 5,750 rpm. Power was increased from 160 bhp to 190 bhp and wire wheels added to provide better cooling for the drum brakes. The optional ‘C’-Type head upped the power output even further to an estimated 210 bhp.
During the Second World War, William Lyons and his staff designed what would be the world’s first high-volume twin cam engine. After the war, a short wheelbase chassis and a two-seat sports body were married to this new engine and when the XK 120 was introduced at the 1948 Earl’s Court Motor Show. The XK 120’s body was a fresh, minimalist design with gracefully flowing curves running front to back, while the modern chassis design provided excellent handling. The XK inline six-cylinder engine, originally producing 160 horsepower, was mated with a four-speed manual transmission, and provided phenomenal performance. The XK 120 earned its name from when Jaguar was racing their cars. The car reached 120 mph!
Authenticity
