Highlights
- Desirable SE “Special Equipment” model
- Comprehensive restoration by XK specialist Erik Hennelund
- Matching numbers
- Upgraded Getrag 5-speed gearbox for improved drivability; original gearbox also accompanies the car
- Full restoration carried out between 1993 and 2002, subsequent mechanical overhaul between 2022 and 2024
The Appeal
Few cars have had such a seismic impact upon the history of the motor car as the Jaguar XK120. In terms of innovation, it really is up there with the Ford Model T and Citroën DS. Upon launch in 1948, the XK120 was the fastest production car in the world. It must have been a sight for sore eyes in war-torn Britain, with its futuristic curves and modern twin-cam engine.
This 1952 Open-Two-Seater has undergone a great deal of work and is in stunning condition as a result. originally supplied to the US, the car later made its way to Denmark, undergoing restoration in 1992-2002 and a recent mechanical overhaul in 2022-2024, including an engine overhaul, brake service, new clutch, new tyres, and new battery. The gearbox has been upgraded to a far more usable five-speed Getrag unit, although the original four-speed accompanies the car, completing its matching numbers status.
Being a desirable SE “Special Equipment” model. This specification included a number of factory performance upgrades such as high-lift camshafts (raising output from 160 to 180 hp), heavier torsion bars, an additional leaf in the rear springs, dual exhausts, and wire wheels.
For those seeking a great example of Jaguar’s legendary post-war sports car, this is the one to buy.
History and Paperwork
- Original distributor: Hornburg, Los Angeles, USA, November 1952
- Imported to Denmark in 1988, involving Jaguar Denmark
- Full restoration completed between 1993 and 2002 by Erik Hennelund
- Further servicing and maintenance by Classic Car House from 2022 to 2024
- Restoration records from 2002 and 2022-2024 included; see invoices below from Classic Car House spanning December 2022 until April 2024
- 2,633km indicated – believed to reflect distance covered since recent renovation work
- Service history and invoices available
- Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate included
The vendor provides the following statement from Classic Car House Copenhagen dated 3rd January 2025:
“The XK120, registered with Reg740, has been known to us since April 2022, where the vendor purchased the car. We agreed upon a technical go through of the entire car, which resulted in a major service, including an engine overhaul. The engine was completely separated and all major gaskets, big-end bearings, piston were changed, the cylinder head was inspected and grinded and the crankshaft was reconditioned. All other essential parts, such as brakes, tyres, clutch, filters, and oil were changed, and as a final touch, the car had a complete cleaning and polishing.
“This resulting in, yet again, a perfect driving experience. We have tested after a minor running in period, and the engine runs smoothly without any kind of unwanted noise – the compression test shows around 5% difference in pressure, between the lowest and highest one. That’s fully acceptable, and we expect it to be even better after a further few hundred miles running in.
“During 2022-2024, three smaller services were performed, where the following was
performed – brake adjustments, voltage regulator control, a new geared starter, GPS tracker installation, battery replacement (high capacity 12v in parallel connection), and clutch adjustment.
“The car has been stored at the Classic Car House Car Hotel in the best possible conditions,
and furthermore, only has 300km of driving from 2022 to 2024. The mileage of 2,633km given is believed to be genuine, as the car has been stored for several years. At least the mileage looks trustworthy since the big renovation at Mr. Hennelund in 2002.
“The car is truly an original experience. It has matching numbers, and engine, chassis, body,
and gearbox are all original. Furthermore, it can be confirmed that the engine with no.
W6691.8S, which is also stamped on the engine, indeed is the actual 180BHP engine (20 BHP more than the standard 160 BHP)” For your information, the car is currently equipped with an 5-speed Getract gearbox, but the original gearbox comes with the car.
“The bodywork itself seems to be in mint condition and Mr. Erik Hennelund did a brilliant job
renovating the car many years ago – the quality of that work still stands. The car must be one of the best XKs we have seen with absolutely no rust and in perfect technical and cosmetic condition.”
The Condition
- Stored in the best possible environment at Classic Car House Car Hotel
- Presents impeccably with no notable defects to report
- Superb panel alignment and door fit, achieved by skilled technicians
- Reportedly corrosion-free
- Fully polished and wax coated in readiness for sale
- New tyres fitted during recent servicing
- Instrument panel separated and tachometer cable serviced
As the photographs attest, this Jag is utterly breathtaking to behold. The colour scheme suits the car perfectly and those flowing lines have lost none of their grandeur in the car’s 73 years. The vendor assures us that there’s no corrosion or damage to report, and very little in the way of wear. Since restoration, it’s always been stored in a dry, climate-controlled facility, greatly aiding the car’s continued preservation. The interior also looks superb, with no heavy wear to the leather upholstery. We understand all cabin electrucs to be in good working order.
The Mechanics
- 3.4-litre XK DOHC straight-six
- The car retains its original 3.4L XK SE engine, producing 180 BHP (higher than standard 160 BHP due to upgraded SU carbs)
- Upgraded to a Getrag five-speed transmission, original (matching numbers)four-speed also included
- Engine overhaul recently completed, with major gaskets, bearings, and pistons replaced
- New high-capacity 12v battery installed
- Engine runs smoothly with no unwanted noise, as per recent compression test
- December 2022 invoice detailing this work included in the gallery below, besides several others from around the same time
We wholeheartedly approve of this XK120’s gearbox upgrade. The original four-speed unit lacks full synchromesh and can be challenging to use, but the five-speed Getrag is very well-regarded for its usability and strength. As per the Classic Car House Copenhagen statement, the engine is reportedly very fit, with good compression across all cylinders. We’re assured that the XK120 drives very well indeed, with no known faults to report.
2022 Service and restoration work, which solely used genuine Jaguar parts, included:
- Braking system overhaul including front brakes and wheel cylinders replacement
- Starter motor upgraded to gear-type unit
- Tachometer cable lubrication and removal for service
- Separate power supply for GPS tracker established
- Brackets for generator modified
- Bushing for clutch release arms manufactured
- Brackets and suspension for fuel pump changed/manufactured
- Tracking and wheel alignment work performed
