Chassis No. 679195
Engine No. W3970-8
Body No. J1198

The Jaguar XK 120 debuted at the 1948 London Motor Show as a showcase for Jaguar's new XK six-cylinder engine. Its sleek design and impressive performance garnered immediate acclaim, prompting Jaguar founder William Lyons to switch from hand-built aluminum bodies to mass-production steel to meet unexpected demand. Powered by a 3.4-liter dual-overhead-cam inline-six with an aluminum head and twin SU carburetors, the XK 120 delivered remarkable performance. A Motor magazine test in 1949 recorded zero to 60 mph in 10 seconds and a top speed of 124.6 mph, making it the world's fastest production car.

Initially launched as an Open Two-Seater roadster, the XK 120 lineup expanded in 1951 with the Fixed Head Coupe, offering greater comfort and practicality. The coupe featured a stylish teardrop roof, wind-up windows, improved cabin ventilation, and a quieter, more refined interior. This new model provided a more relaxed driving experience, solidifying the XK 120's status as an icon of speed and sophistication.

The Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate for this XK 120 Fixed Head Coupe confirms that this multiple JCNA-winning example was delivered new to Charles Hornburg Jaguar of Los Angeles, California in Silver over Red. In 2006, the car received a full and comprehensive restoration in Bright Red over Biscuit leather — a combination it continues to wear today. Acquired by the Academy of Art University Collection in 2010, this remarkable example, with its immaculate Connolly leather upholstery, burl wood instrument panel, lustrous red exterior, and a gleaming Jaguar XK engine equipped with twin SU carburetors and porcelain-coated exhaust manifolds, stands as one of the finest of its type, admired by novices and Jaguar aficionados alike.