Shortly after the Jaguar XK120 made its sensational show- stopping debut in 1948, road tests quickly proved that 120 really did stand for 120 MPH, making it the fastest production car in the world. That was due in no small part to the famed 3.4L twin-overhead-cam 6-cylinder XK engine, which went on to power the spaceframed competition version, the XK120C. But even before that, the road-going version had started to show its race-winning potential, taking victories in Europe and the U.S. in 1949, and in 1950. a road-registered example took a famous victory in the grueling Alpine Rally. Jaguar then produced an even higher performance model, known in the domestic market as the XK120 SE, SE standing for “Special Equipment.” In the U.S., it was called the M, for “Modified.” Either way, output was raised from 160 to 180 HP, with high-lift cam shafts, stiffer valve springs, SU H8 carburetors, dual exhaust, stiffer suspension and knock-off, wire-spoke wheels among its enhancements. As designated by the S prefix on its chassis number, Chassis No. S675468, this 1954 Jaguar XK120 M Roadster is just one of 2,194 left-hand drive XK120 roadsters produced in SE/M spec. Acquired by Rick Grant from International Motor Cars Ltd. on August 12, 1974, it is one of the foundation blocks of this remarkable collection. With its Brooklands aero screens, driver-seat lap belt and red-painted wire wheels, it invites spirited driving in both fast road use and road rallies, as well as tours. Powered by a 3.4L DOHC inline-6 with dual SU sidedraft carburetors that is paired to a 4-speed manual gearbox, the Jaguar’s body—Body No. F7743—is covered in black paint with white No. 4 roundels. Inside, one finds red leather upholstery and carpets, Smiths instrumentation and a Nardi wood-rimmed steering wheel. It’s also one of a select group of models eligible for Italy’s exclusive Mille Miglia retrospective, which limits entry to those cars that took part in the original event between 1927 and 1957. Jaguar driver Leslie Johnson came fifth in the 1950 Mille Miglia, which was an outstanding achievement for a production car. More recently a 1954 Jaguar XK120 Roadster was the top-placed Jaguar in the 2021 event. Closer to home, this XK120 M roadster is also eligible for the California Mille and a host of road tours. Or, perhaps one might try emulating the great Sir Stirling Moss who, in 1952, was one of a team of four drivers that set a remarkable milestone in a Jaguar XK120 coupe by averaging 100.31 MPH over seven days and nights at the famous Montlhéry banked circuit just south of Paris. That alone underlines the fact that XK120 was, and still is, far more robust and a lot less fragile than some of the very high-priced exotica which it often humbled.
