The Jaguar XK 120 became the fastest production car in the world at launch in 1948.

It owed its performance to the new 3.4-litre, twin overhead-cam straight-six, which was mated to a sharp four-speed Moss manual gearbox.

In total, more than 12,000 were built between 1948 and 1954, with the lion’s share heading to the United States.

Of that production run, just 242 early cars were constructed with their ash frames clothed in aluminium rather than steel.

Chassis 670117 is one of those desirable alloy bodied cars.

It was completed on 3 February 1950 and dispatched later that month to New York-based importer, Max Hoffman.

As noted by its accompanying JDHT (Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust) certificate, the Jaguar was originally finished in Red over a Biscuit interior with complementary Fawn soft-top.

The car was also equipped with a high-compression engine, though the original block has since been swapped with a later SE unit, while the cylinder head is of unknown origin.

An invoice d...