1954 Jaguar XK120 SE Roadster

1954 Jaguar XK120 SE Roadster
Sold for $121,000 Including commission
RM Auction, Monterey, CA. 2014
Chassis no. S 675083
Engine no. F 2276-8S
Gearbox no. JL 21427
Body no. F 7358
180 bhp, 3,442 cc DOHC inline six-cylinder engine, four-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension with transverse wishbones, elongated torsion bars, and an anti-roll bar, rigid rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 102 in.
Equipped with the desirable Special Equipment package
Recipient of a concours-level restoration to original specifications
Documented by a Jaguar-Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate
Matching-numbers example
The introduction of Jaguar’s XK120, the company’s first post-war sports car, at Earls Court was a watershed moment in the marque’s history. At the time, the XK120 was the fastest sports car the world had ever seen, as it was capable of 120 mph. Its looks were just as seductive as its performance, and just the sight of one at Earls Court created nothing short of fanfare. Jaguar dealerships were overwhelmed with orders, and the car proved to be just as much of a commercial success as it was an engineering triumph.
However, as time marched on and the XK120 gained more and more competitors, Jaguar’s crack team of engineers were still able to extract more performance from the fastest production car in the world. As a result, they introduced the Special Equipment package in 1951. This optional extra outfitted the engine with high-lift camshafts, stiffer rear springs, dual exhausts, and a lightened flywheel. These enhancements allowed the 3.4-liter straight-six to produce 180 horsepower, which was a healthy 20 horsepower boost over the original XK120’s output. The addition of wire wheels also proved to have an excellent impact on the car’s overall look.
This matching-numbers 1954 XK120 SE Roadster was shipped directly to Los Angeles-based Jaguar distributor Charles Hornburg after its completion by the factory in March 1954. It was finished in Cream with a Blue leather interior and Fawn soft-top and was delivered new to Nancy H. Biggs, of Missouri, according to its Jaguar-Daimer Heritage Trust Certificate. Mrs. Biggs was the wife of David Biggs, a well-known enthusiast of the time, and she was also a member of the Sports Car Club of America in her own right. Their collection included an Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B; the famous Ferrari 250 TR, known as “Big Red”; an ex-Jim Kimberly Ferrari 225 S; a Horch; a 1930 Mercedes-Benz; and this Jaguar, which was a gift from husband to wife. While much of the Biggses’ collection was lost in a 1964 barn fire, the XK120 was not damaged, and after the couple’s divorce, it was sold in 1965.
The car was purchased by the current owner from a gentleman residing in Southern California, and it was fully restored in 2009 under his ownership. It has been shown several times at JCNA Concours events and was intended to be used as a driver. Under the custody of the current owner, who purchased the car in 2012, it was treated to a further full cosmetic restoration, which included a repaint in the original color, the chrome being refinished, and all the rubber seals being refinished. Receipts for this restoration are included with the sale.
The SE models have proven to be highly sought after by collectors for their added performance over the standard XK120. They are truly splendid vehicles to drive and are ideal for vintage rallies, like the Mille Miglia and the Colorado 1000. This specific XK120 SE’s recent cosmetic work has truly brought this example to an incredible standard, and it is undoubtedly ready for judging at future JCNA Concours events.
Robert Myrick Photography