Imagine it's 1954 and most folks are driving around in rank-and-file Chevy and Plymouth sedans, and then you show up in THIS. That must have been game-changing, because the guy driving this 1954 Jaguar XK120 SE drophead coupe roadster was definitely The Man. Awesome colors, matching-numbers, totally sorted, Heritage Certificate, and ready to enjoy, this is the most fun you'll ever have with a blue-chip investment.Bright red isn't very subtle, but then again, Jaguars were all about getting noticed back in the 1950s. For you guys who love these cars, this one hits all the right notes, starting with 42 years of ownership records, which means it's been properly cared for and totally sorted out. The bright Signal Red paint is in fantastic condition with the only wear visible in areas like the cowl where the hood and bodywork meet, and even that's pretty minor. It's unlikely that these cars were this well-assembled when they were new, and you can clearly see that the money has been spent in all the right places. Doors open and close easily, gaps are very good all around, and it's beautifully dressed with all kinds of accessories. There are some who may argue that the DHC isn't as desirable as the OTS, but with windows that roll up and a look that's virtually identical, this is the car to own if you want to drive rather than look at it as art. The chrome remains excellent, with those slender bumperettes in excellent condition, working fog lamps up front, and the cool mirrors perched way out there on the peaks of the front wings. There's just no angle from which this car doesn't look awesome.The black leather interior is cozy for two and in splendid condition. The British tradition of hand-built accoutrements is well-founded, and the window sills, steering wheel, and dashboard are all made from real wood that seems to glow warmly from within. All the Smiths gauges are fully operational, including the clock and even the cigarette lighter! The Moto-Lita steering wheel is just beautiful to hold in your hands and the shifter clicks through the gears easily once you get the hang of the vintage Moss crashbox. There's a black canvas top that fits quite well, providing better weather protection than on the OTS, and it stows under a black canvas boot that fits well. The trunk is original and outfitted with a correct spare tire and jack assembly.The 3.4 liter DOHC inline-6 was the same basic engine that powered Jaguars into the 1990s, which should tell you something about its design and durability. With a pair of side-draft carburetors and the upgraded cylinder head that was part of the "SE" package, it feels powerful and flexible in today's world, and this is still a very fast car if you dance with it properly. The polished cam covers have just a slight bit of patina and you can see signs of conscientious maintenance throughout the engine bay. Yes, this is the original, numbers-matching engine with a correct cylinder head, no worries there, and we believe the 4-speed manual gearbox is also original to the car. The undercarriage is quite clean, as this car lived the first part of its life in California, and there's a new exhaust system that sounds simply magnificent. And, of course, you just can't have an early Jaguar without the chrome wire wheels, with these wrapped in flashy 6.00-16 whitewall tires for a period-perfect look.Documented with 42 years' worth of paperwork, a Heritage Certificate, and an owner's manual, this is a blue-chip car that you can enjoy without worries as it continues to appreciate. Call now!