This fascinating, early-production, alloy-bodied XK120 was constructed in January 1950 and delivered through Charles Hornburg in Los Angeles, finished in Gunmetal Grey over a Blue interior.

Notes on file purport that its first owner was the legendary collector William F.

Harrah.

According to a copy of a newspaper clipping, after extensive racing modifications, Harrah entered the car in the Reno Sports Car Races with driver Max Malachowski, who finished 2nd.

In 1972, the XK120 was imported to the UK by John Pearson and John Harper, who campaigned it extensively in the ensuing years.

It was road registered as “PGY 198L,” earning it the affectionate nickname “Piggy.” In 1974, Jaguar works named Pearson “Driver of the Year” for his competitive efforts in the XK120, making him the first recipient of the newly established award.

The Jaguar’s history file also cites numerous vintage races with noted French driver Philippe Renault at the wheel in the mid-1970s.


The file further documen...