The first Jaguar XK 120 was built in only six weeks for London’s 1948 Earls Court Motor Show, and it created a sensation, to say the least. The earliest cars were constructed with aluminum panels over a wood frame, since aluminum was light and easy to work with and was not rationed like steel. Jaguar boss William Lyons originally planned to sell only 200 XK 120s, but at a factory list price of only £998 for the fastest production car in the world at that time, orders poured in so fast that production soon switched to steel bodies that could be built much faster and in greater numbers. Consequently, a mere 242 aluminum-bodied “Alloy” XK 120 Roadsters in total were produced, with their rarity, lightened attributes, and purist form making them the most sought-after examples from Jaguar’s first XK model.

Of these Alloys, only 184 were left-hand-drive export examples—including the car offered here. As documented by its accompanying 2025 Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate, this XK 120 was completed on 10 January 1950 in Pastel Blue over a Duo-Blue interior with a Fawn convertible top. As with all steel wheel-equipped XK 120s, it was fitted with rear wheel spats. Retailed via the important dealer Hornburg in Los Angeles, it was apparently repainted in Old English White and its interior was re-dyed in burgundy shortly after its initial sale. At some point, its hood was louvered—a distinctly So-Cal hot rod-inspired touch.

In 1976, the Jaguar was reportedly sold to its second owner and would remain in that family until 2020. Prior to the acquisition by the consignor in 2023, the Jaguar benefited from over $25,000 in service, including machine work on the cylinder head, timing chain replacement, and steering box service. The seats were re-dyed and the door, dash panels, and wool carpets were re-covered or replaced as needed. Today, this XK 120 retains its numbers-matching engine, gearbox, and body (as early XK 120 cylinder heads were not numbered to match the engine block, its originality cannot be conclusively determined).

Retaining a great degree of originality, this car has reportedly never been fully disassembled or restored since the early re-finish was applied. The presence of its numbers-matching engine, gearbox, chassis, and body components makes this significant alloy Roadster an excellent candidate for a complete refurbishment to its desirable original colors of Pastel Blue over Duo-Blue interior.

Truly one of the 20th century’s most important sports cars, the Jaguar XK 120 is greatly appreciated by enthusiasts and a treat in any configuration. This left-hand-drive alloy-bodied Roadster is among its rarest variants, representing Lyons’ vision for this groundbreaking Jaguar in its original form. With its two-owner history for the first 70 years and enticing state of preservation, this would make a worthy addition to any enthusiast’s stable.