1952 Jaguar XK120 ‘M’ Roadster

1952 Jaguar XK120 ‘M’ Roadster - ‘M’ version, 180 hp - Original engine - Fully restored from the chassis up in 2005 Sold new in the USA, this Jaguar XK120 Roadster is a highly sought-after ‘M’ version (short for ‘Modified’) which is equivalent to the ‘SE’ (‘Special Equipment’) version in Europe. It differentiated itself from the standard version in terms of its sportier features: a sharper camshaft, a special crankshaft damper, spoked wheels, twin exhausts, 35.4 mm torsion bars, a lightweight flywheel, stiffer rear springs and Lucas fog lights. With these modifications, the engine produced 180 hp SAE instead of 160. An engineer from Philadelphia bought it new, before selling it four years later, when the mileage displayed 30,000 miles. The second owner kept it until 1975 before giving it to his brother, who drove it for around ten years before storing it away with 62,800 miles on the clock. In 2002, it was discovered by a collector who had it completely restored from the chassis up. Absolutely everything (from the engine to the bodywork and the upholstery) was carefully restored, as evidenced by a file of photographs and invoices. Completed in 2005, the car was listed for sale the following year in Rochester, New York. That's when the current owner, an internationally renowned French professor of haematology who was on a business trip to the USA at the time, decided to go and see the car. Captivated by its ‘M’ specifications and the quality of its restoration, he purchased it on the 10th February 2006. This beautiful roadster arrived in France in June of the same year and has since been a source of great pleasure for its owner who entrusted its regular servicing to Garage Dessonnet in Mulhouse, as evidenced by invoices. Now with a mileage of 67,023 miles on the clock, this 120 M roadster is in a healthy condition, with its beautiful Old English White paintwork paired with a tan and burgundy leather interior. Many enthusiasts dream of owning an XK 120; this example is a golden opportunity to make that dream a reality! Photos © Peter Singhof

Estimate:$56,261.35

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