1953 Jaguar XK 120

2dr Roadster

6-cyl. 3442cc/160hp 2x1bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$77,300*

-0.5%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair

Calculate the price

Please select all adjustments that have been made to your vehicle

Value Graph04/2407/2410/24$20k$40k$60kJan 2025
Let us watch the market for you

We update the Hagerty Price Guide each quarter. Sign up for alerts and we'll notify you about value changes for the cars you love.

1948-1954 Jaguar XK120 stats
Highest sale
$2,062,500
Lowest sale
$1,100
Most recent sale
$106,243
Sales
1158

Photos

27 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Jaguar XK 120 2dr Fixed-Head Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
insurance

Protect your 1953 Jaguar XK 120 from the unexpected.

Better coverage built for classics at a price you can afford. Online quotes are fast and easy

Model overview

Model description

It has been said that for many on hand for the 1948 London Motorshow were simply flabbergasted by the new Jaguar XK 120 that combined jaw-dropping beauty and promised astonishing performance in equal parts. Although the swooping and curvaceous styling—strongly influenced by Jaguar boss William Lyons—showed influences of the prewar BMW 328, it was still fresh and exciting.

The alloy bodywork clothed a sturdy chassis, which mated torsion bar independent front suspension to a live rear axle on leaf springs. It wasn’t revolutionary, but it was up to date, complete with large hydraulic drum brakes at all four corners. What was revolutionary, was the inline double-overhead-camshaft six cylinder engine displacing 3.4 liters and rated at 160 bhp. All that power was channeled aft via a four-speed manual gearbox. Said to be capable of 120mph, the XK 120 moniker was logical. For the day, the new Jaguar was extremely quick, capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in less than 10 seconds.

Priced at $3,940 in the United States, performance was on a par with much more exotic machines costing twice as much. In addition to that undeniably gorgeous coachwork, the Jaguar was opulently trimmed with fine leather and carpet. Weather equipment wasn’t so fine, including a folding convertible top that kept out some of the elements when mated to removable side curtains that stowed when not in use. Standard equipment included steel-wheels with chrome and body color hubcaps and full rear wheel spats that only enhanced the XK 120 Jag’s stunning good looks. Wire wheels were one of the relatively few options.

Originally intended as a limited-production model to raise interest in a new series of sedans powered by the same XK six-cylinder engine, orders for the Jaguar XK 120 immediately exceeded production capacity. The decision was quickly made to replace the alloy over ash body with an all-steel body sharing the same seductive shape, a change that was implemented after the first 240 cars left Jaguar’s Browns Lane factory.

From the very beginning, the new Jaguar was taken racing and rallying with great success. Developments were gradual and subtle, including new integrated parking lights in 1951—the same year a lovely fixed-head coupe joined the family—and footwell air vents in 1952. The following year saw yet another model, in the form of a drophead coupe complete with roll-up windows and a more comprehensive top. Performance wasn’t ignored either, with the introduction of the Special Equipment or “M” model. This performance version used an uprated 180 horsepower engine exhausting through dual pipes and invariably riding on wire wheels.

Fast, beautiful and successful on the race track, to many the Jaguar XK 120 was the ultimate production sports car of the 1950s. The public clearly thought so, as 12,078 XK 120s were sold, which was far beyond the company’s wildest expectations.

Often considered “heavy” in feel, the XK 120 is still a quick car and can easily keep up with modern traffic, although the drum brakes have to work hard to stop the 3,000 pound sports car from speed. Still immensely popular, it’s hard to say whether the wonderful engine or the lovely lines are more responsible for its enduring popularity. The wonderful exhaust note, of course, certainly plays a role as well.

Vehicle specifications

  • Shipping Weight2912 lbs
  • Vehicle Length157 in
Find more values
Search for prices of other cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles
Classic car

Common Questions

The value of a 1953 Jaguar XK 120 can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $70,900 for a 1953 Jaguar XK 120 in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1953 Jaguar XK 120 at auction over the last three years was $121,000. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1953 Jaguar XK 120 at auction over the last three years was $31,500. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 24 1953 Jaguar XK 120s sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1953 Jaguar XK 120 was $31,500 on November 05, 2024 by Bring a Trailer.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2025 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.