The Jaguar XK120 was launched in Roadster form at the 1948 London Motor Show and caused a sensation.

They were fitted with the newly developed XK 3.4 litre Engine producing 160bhp and the '120' referred to its 120mph top speed which made it the world's fastest standard production car at the time of its launch.

The XK120 was first launched as a 'Roadster' (or OTS for 'open two-seater' in America) and then the Fixed-Head Coupe (FHC) followed in 1951 and lastly the Drop-Head Coupe (DHC) was introduced in 1953. The DHC was a deluxe open model with wind-up windows + opening quarter lights, Wood-veneered Dashboard and Door cappings. It is the rarest variant amongst the XK120 models with only 1,767 produced and of these 1,472 were LHD and mostly destined for the USA + 295 RHD models. .

This beautiful 1953 LHD Jaguar XK120 DHC - Chassis Number 677102 is a matching numbers car (Heritage Certificate trace number 33722) and was originally supplied by Jaguar distributor 'Hornburg' of Los Angeles, California to its first owner Mr A J Urquhart of Lind in Washington State in June 1953.

The car remained in his family for many years and rumour has it that it was once owned by a Hollywood Film Star at some stage during the 1960's, but we have yet to uncover any evidence of this. It was the subject of a 'Nut & Bolt' rebuild in the late 1990's and the workmanship was such that it still looks as though it was only carried out a couple of years ago. The car was sold to an enthusiast in Virginia in 2006 and was subsequently sold and imported to the UK in January 2011.

According to the Jaguar Heritage Certificate it still has its original Engine and Gearbox and all numbers match. Since arriving here, it has had a complete suspension overhaul with new shock absorbers and new anti-roll bar bushes all round + a full check-over.

Finished in Carmen Red with Biscuit Leather trim, Beige Carpets, Beige Soft Top with headliner, Wood Veneered Dashboard + door cappings, original instrumentation, Vintage Radio, original Bakelite Steering Wheel, excellent Chrome, Straight Six 3.4 XK Engine, 4 Speed Gearbox and 16" Chrome Wire Wheels with new BF Goodrich vintage White Wall tyres.

The car is beautiful throughout and mechanically first class and it drives impeccably. It has a recorded mileage of 63,721, but we do not know its actual mileage, although we believe it has only covered circa 5,000 miles since its restoration.

This is a truly superb example in exceptional condition and it really must be seen and driven to be fully appreciated.

Car on display @ our showrooms in London.