1950 JAGUAR XK120 ALLOY ROADSTER

This Jaguar XK120 Alloy Roadster is a stunning classic sports car, which was put through an exhaustive restoration that was completed in the 1980s, and has been carefully preserved ever since. It was entered in the fourth biennial Jaguar Club North America Concours in August 1989, scoring a remarkable 99.36 points out of 100, and was awarded Best of Show.

An original alloy-bodied Roadster, this is one of the early and particularly sought-after XK120s - one of only 242 such cars built, and one of only 184 in left-hand drive. It is powered by a 3.4-litre DOHC straight-six producing around 160bhp, driven through a four-speed manual transmission. The car retains its numbers-matching engine block, and has been in the current ownership for the last two years.

A Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust ‘Production Record Trace Certificate’ that remains with the car states that this example was completed in January 1950, finished in Red with a two-tone Biscuit and Red leather interior, and with a convertible top in Fawn beige. It was delivered from the factory to the distributor in Caracas, Venezuela - then something of a hot spot for ‘exotic’ overseas sports cars, with its economy spurred on by thriving oil exports achieving high prices.

While its early history is unknown, by 1979 the car had found its way to a gentleman called James Caraher of Tacoma, Washington. In early 2020, Mr Caraher’s son posted on the XK Data website that his father spent years researching the model, and apparently even went to the Jaguar factory, as he undertook what was described as a meticulous restoration.

The story goes that Mr Caraher sold the car to a Mr Robert Ames, and that in August 1989, it entered the biennial JCNA Concours in Oregon, when it achieved the the Best of Show award and the outstanding 99.36-point result - in real terms about as close as most cars will ever get to being judged as faultless. When the car came to market in 2000, it was reported that it had not been driven since achieving that incredible result. The next owner subsequently sent the car for recommissioning work at XKs Unlimited in San Luis Obispo, California, when the car was refreshed but the excellent restoration work was preserved.

Today, a little over 30 years since the concours-winning restoration was completed, this XK120 Alloy Roadster still presents remarkably well. The paintwork is in good order, though naturally displays a few minor blemishes and superficial scratches. It has flush-fitting panels, with even gaps throughout, and all of the chrome is still in very good order. The wheels are to the original specification, and have been fitted with a set of Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres.

Inside, the Biscuit leather still looks superb for 30-year-old upholstery, with only a few spots of very minor damage to the material - as shown in the photo gallery - and with some slight discolouration on the seat panels and wear to the carpet. Overall though, the fit and finish is still very impressive, and further evidence of the care and attention to detail taken by the restorers in period. Ahead of the passenger is the plaque that appeared on all early XK120 Roadsters, proclaiming it to be an ‘exact replica’ of the world speed record-breaking car that ran at Jabbeke in Belgium on 30 May 1949, achieving 132.6mph. Jaguar wanted all of the owners to know that they were driving the world’s fastest production car. The steering wheel, gear lever, and instrument panel all look very smart, and there are no reported faults.

The vendor reports that the car has received regular mechanical checks in recent years, with the aim of keeping the car in fine mechanical condition, while leaving the cosmetic appearance undisturbed as a testament to the 1989 concours win. It is even understood to be running the correct and rare aluminium-hub brake drums. All of the tyres are reported to be in good order, with around 5mm of tread.

Accompanying the car is the aforementioned Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust (JDHT) certificate, as well as the tan convertible soft top that fastens to the windscreen and bodywork, side curtains, a correct tool kit, air pump, and the factory jack.

This Jaguar XK120 Alloy Roadster is a numbers-matching car in beautifully preserved condition following its meticulous restoration in the late 1980s. Retaining its original engine block, it represents a great opportunity for a discerning collector to acquire a car that has remained remarkably unmolested following its concours win, and which would be a storied and eye-catching addition to any collection of iconic classics.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence where available. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

This car’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number.