A long-lost 1954 Jaguar branded one of the rarest in existence has been restored to its original glory after a painstaking process, taking almost 8,000 hours.
This unique Pininfarina-bodied 1954 Jaguar XK120 SE had been hidden away for 40 years until it was discovered and bought by Classic Motor Cars, of Shropshire.
The historic model – thought to be one of the only ones left in the world – was then shipped from the USA to Europe to undergo a major overhaul.
Just like new: This unique Pininfarina-bodied 1954 Jaguar XK120 SE has been painstakingly restored to its original condition after being shipped back to Europe from the USA
The historic model – thought to be one of the only ones left in the world – has undergone a complete overhaul. Pictured above: The interior, restored to its bright orange hue, looks as good as new
Finishing touches: A team of eagle-eyed experts arranged the colour to perfectly match its original paintwork
Ready to ride: The number plate was meticulously repainted, offering a glimmer of its original 1950s charm
A full body restoration was carried out – including a new front end, new rear quarter panels, inner arch panels, boot floor, sills and door skins
They carried out a full body restoration which included new front end, new rear quarter panels, inner arch panels, boot floor, sills and door skins.
The chassis was repaired and repainted, chrome was remade, the interior was retrimmed and the engine and gearbox were rebuilt to the original Jaguar specification.
Following a two-year restoration, which included 7,725 man hours of work, the Jaguar XK120 SE is now completed.
And with a 3.4-litre engine developing 180bhp, the unique sports car will be capable of more than 120mph.
David Barzilay, chairman of Bridgnorth-based CMC’s operating board, said: ‘There were no signs of the original paint colour and it all came down to the last nut and bolt.
‘When the front screen was removed, we discovered a small section of original paint and used it as a colour match.’
‘Some of the original parts were impossible to find so we had to remake items such as the bumpers and chrome work by hand from photographs.
‘We had to scan the front and rear end of the car and make mock ups of the lights, which were then scanned and 3D printed. Smaller missing parts were also 3D printed in-house.
The chassis was repaired and repainted, chrome was remade, the interior was retrimmed and the engine and gearbox were rebuilt to the original Jaguar specification
The car’s original owner was Mr Max Hoffman in 1954, who was an Austrian-born, New York-based importer of luxury European automobiles into the United States during the 1950s
The classic car was shipped back to the USA following its restoration for an unveiling at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California
Peter Neumark, chairman of the employee ownership trust that runs CMC, said: ‘It was a privilege to take the cover off this long-lost Jaguar at one of the most important Concours in the world. A great result’
‘The rear window was missing so we also had to scan the window aperture and have a new rear screen made from the scan data.’
CMC shipped the classic car to the USA for the unveiling – held at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California.
Judges awarded the Jaguar second in class in its award category at the weekend.
Peter Neumark, chairman of the employee ownership trust that runs CMC, said: ‘It was a privilege to take the cover off this long-lost Jaguar at one of the most important Concours in the world. A great result.
‘The car was admired all day and we are delighted to be bringing a trophy home as a further testimony to the skills, dedication and attention to detail that we have in our business.’
The XK120 features unique bodywork by famed Italian coachbuilder and design house Pininfarina.
The car’s original owner was Mr Max Hoffman in 1954, who was an Austrian-born, New York-based importer of luxury European automobiles into the United States during the 1950s.
Mr Barzilay added: ‘There is little trace of the car’s history, but we are certain that Hoffman was the supplying dealer, then first owner of the car and that there was only one XK120 by Pininfarina produced, which makes this one of the rarest Jaguars in existence.’
The XK120 features unique bodywork by famed Italian coach builder and design house Pininfarina
David Barzilay, chairman of Bridgnorth-based CMC’s operating board, said: ‘There were no signs of the original paint colour and it all came down to the last nut and bolt’
Mr Barzilay added: ‘There is little trace of the car’s history, but we are certain that Hoffman was the supplying dealer, then first owner of the car and that there was only one XK120 by Pininfarina produced, which makes this one of the rarest Jaguars in existence’