2026-03-15 11:55:41 | pauls writes:

Car now offered at:

www.classicdriver.com/en/car/jaguar/xk-120/1953/1094604

Seller's description:

1953 Jaguar XK 120 DHC SE

Price USD 145 184

Phoenix Green Garage, Hartley Wintney, UK

The British Motor Heritage Trust certificate on file confirms Chassis S667153 was completed on the 24th November 1953 and was dispatched to Jaguar dealers Henlys of Manchester. It is generally accepted that only 295 RHD home market XK 120 DHCs were built.

The earliest recorded keeper of our XK 120 DHC SE is a Mr. Michael Pilling of Lincoln who owned the car between 1971 and 1999. In 1992 Mr. Pilling commissioned Robinson & Godwin Classics of Grimsby to carry out a full body-off restoration which included a bare metal respray in classic British Racing Green, re-wire and re-chrome. The interior was retrimmed in Suede Green leather and a new Mohair hood fitted. Mr Pilling also reunited the car with its original number of TB 140.

In September 1999 the Jaguar was purchased from Ivydene Garage by John Davis, an engineer based in Erdington, Birmingham. Mr Davis installed a Kenlowe electric fan in 2001 and in 2002 commissioned Derek Watson, an independent Jaguar specialist to install a number of upgrades to the car; the front brakes were converted to vented discs, telescopic dampers and uprated springs were fitted to the rear along with a Harvey Bailey Engineering roll bar. John also upgraded the wire wheels with body-coloured 72 spoke items for increased rigidity and improved roadholding. Finally the popular upgrade of a Borg Warner T5 five-speed gearbox was also installed - the original Moss gearbox was retained and comes with the car.

The original engine was rebuilt between 2010 and 2011 and the seats were retrimmed once more in suede green leather. Mr. Davies cherished his XK and stored it in his heated and de-humidified garage.

The current owner acquired the car in June 2021 and has spent in excess of £15,000 with Jaguar specialists maintaining and improving the car further.

A new 12v battery was fitted in June 2021 and various new parts were installed in 2022 including new fuel tank sender unit, crankshaft damper, brake master cylinder, front brake pipes, tie rods, fan belt, expansion tank and air filter. An uprated Hi-Torque starter motor was also fitted.

In December 2023 respected Jaguar specialists M & C Wilkinson fitted a new and correct SE twin exhaust system along with general maintenance work which included draining and flushing the fuel tank, installation of a new fuel pump and a Filter King fuel filter before the carburettors. A new cam feed pipe remedied a previous oil leak and on completion of a test drive the highly experienced Wilkinson's team reported it to be the best XK they had driven and that it pulled exceptionally well. In addition a period amber driving light, fog light and C-Type-style central light have been installed.

In 2025 the carburettors have been tuned, electronic ignition fitted, new spark plugs and HT leads installed, front and rear brakes rebuilt with new pistons to the front discs and new linings to the rear brake shoes and new flexi hoses. Over £5,800 has been spent in 2025.

The current owner is a taller chap and had a thinner driver’s seat cushion made in suede green leather that allows the driver to sit lower in the car and allows more leg room. This cushion will be included in the sale along with the standard seat cushion.

This very rare XK variant has had only three owners since 1971 and is a much-loved and very well-maintained example. It has been properly sorted by experienced specialists and is ready for its next custodian.