Jaguar XK120 M and XK120 SE Coupe

The Jaguar XK120 was a popular racing car in the 1950s. Two available upgrade options were the XK120 M and the XK120 SE. The Special Equipment package was introduced in 1951, and from 1953, racing parts were also available from dealers. The XK120 M models featured wire wheels, stiffer suspension, and a dual exhaust system, along with a higher-compression cylinder head that increased the Jaguar XK120 M’s output to 180 bhp.

Exterior: The Jaguar XK120 M we have for sale today is a striking car in white. It looks a bit sportier than the standard XK, with its lower ride height and wire wheels. The paintwork on this car is absolutely stunning, as are all the chrome details. All panel gaps are perfect, and the doors open and close effortlessly, even with new rubber trim. The teardrop design and split front screen of the Jaguar XK120 Coupe reminds you of the style of exclusive French cars from the 1940s. The spoke wheels are in good condition and fitted with Michelin Pilote X tires, which are the best available tires for these cars.

Interior: Inside the XK120 FHC, we find dark blue leather and carpeting in the same color. All the beautiful wood panels in the car are new. The instruments have been revised, and once you’re seated behind the large steering wheel, you’ll feel ready for a long, comfortable drive. The 1954 Jaguar features a clever design, with a small flap on the side of the car allowing cool air inside. When you also open the small screens at the back, the air flows through the car, keeping you cool even on hot days.

Engine and Mechanics: The strongest point of this Jaguar XK120 M Coupe is its performance and driving experience. The engine has been rebuilt from the ground up with no expenses spared.

In 2020, some of the work done included:

Full rebuild of the engine
Full rebuild of the cylinder head
Installation of a 123 ignition system, with the engine bench-tested and fine-tuned
New gasket set for the gearbox
New fuel tank
New Michelin Pilote X tires
Rebuilt carburetors
After the complete engine rebuild, the car has traveled approximately 2,000 km. It now runs beautifully and is ready to go anywhere.

History: This Jaguar XK120M was sold new by the Swedish Jaguar importer Fredlunds in Stockholm in December 1953. The car had a few owners during the early years of its life, and then in 1974, Mr. Wramell from Malmö purchased the car and began a complete restoration. The body was sent to Oldham & Crowther in the UK, along with many of the parts. Two factory-new fenders were sourced, and two new rear fenders were handcrafted. Meanwhile, the chassis was sandblasted and painted in Sweden, and the body was painted and reassembled with the chassis. The car was completed from the restoration around 1988.

The car was prepared to participate in the Mille Miglia in 1988, but unfortunately, there was no space available. The Jaguar XK120M then enjoyed a quiet life in Mr. Wramell's collection until 1996, when the car was sold to a new owner who used it only on beautiful summer days. On one of these drives, a noise developed from the engine. When the camshaft chain was checked, it was found that the chain tensioner for the camshaft drive had broken and that this had been the reason for the noise problem mentioned above. Subsequently, the engine, including the clutch assembly, was completely disassembled, the engine block cleaned, and the engine totally rebuilt with every component inspected and exchanged when deemed necessary. Finally, the engine was run in a test bench at Bo Ridström Racing AB and its performance was confirmed. The engine and gearbox now run perfectly.

A Heritage Certificate is available for this matching-numbers car, along with full documentation of previous owners, invoices for work, and parts used in the restoration.