The early development life of the XK120 is Jaguar folklore, chief among which are William Lyons’ original intention to make the car simply a showcase and testbed for his all-new XK twin-cam, straight-six engine.

It took just two weeks to build the initial XK120, in time to take the 1948 London motor show by storm; demand was so overwhelming that Jaguar decided to adjust its plans on the spot, following its 240-car limited run of alloy-bodied cars, all virtually handmade, with a full-production steel version.

Chassis 670140 is one of the 183 Left Hand Drive Alloy cars.

Completed in February 1950, the Heritage Certificate confirms it was exported new to Belgium.

The paperwork on this car is exceptional, with even a Belgium registration booklet dating back to 1955, listing all the owners through to 1966.

It was sold by the Belgian dealer Louis Meeusen on the 3rd October 1966 to Kimber Bauseuee of London, England for 11,000 Francs.

Shipped from Ostend to Dover on the 10th November 1...