Staten Island, officially known as Richmond, is the fifth borough of New York City. Unlike its counterparts, it has a strong suburban character and a vibrant car culture. While mass transit dominates much of the city, Staten Island is home to garages, car clubs, and classic car enthusiasts who maintain and showcase their prized vehicles.
Among these enthusiasts is Peter Principe, a retired electrician who owns a rare 1954 Jaguar XK120 SE. This car, passed down through his family, remains one of the few—if not the only—early XK120 models on Staten Island.
Peter Principe and His Jaguar XK120 SE
Peter Principe’s love for classic cars was inherited from his father, Ralph Principe. In the late 1960s, Ralph acquired the Jaguar XK120 SE from a local mechanic’s shop, marking the beginning of the car’s journey with the Principe family.
Since then, the Jaguar has remained largely original, apart from a repaint and some interior restoration. The car holds a special place in Peter’s heart, symbolizing both his father’s passion and his own dedication to preserving automotive history.
History of the Jaguar XK120 SE
The Jaguar XK120 was introduced at the London Motor Show in 1948 and quickly became the fastest production sports car in the world. It featured a 3.4-liter twin-cam six-cylinder engine, a breakthrough in automotive engineering.
The XK120 SE (Special Equipment) was a performance-oriented version aimed at the American market. This model featured larger wire wheels, upgraded suspension, and a more powerful engine, producing 180 horsepower—20 more than the standard model.
Notably, in 1954, an XK120 became the first foreign-built car to win a NASCAR race at Linden Airport in New Jersey. It wasn’t until decades later that another non-American brand, Toyota, would achieve the same feat.
The Ownership Journey
Ralph Principe purchased the XK120 SE in 1969 for $1,200—a significant sum at the time. The car had already undergone a repaint, likely to a shade of Mercedes-Benz white, as it was sold by a garage dealing in European cars.
Despite suggestions that he overpaid, Ralph saw the car’s value. Over the years, it remained in the family, with Peter eventually buying it from his father in the 1970s using an inheritance from his godmother.
Preserving a Classic
Unlike many classic car owners who extensively restore their vehicles, Peter has maintained the Jaguar XK120 SE in near-original condition. Regular maintenance includes oil changes, carburetor adjustments, and minor cosmetic touch-ups.
Peter takes meticulous care of the car, storing it on jack stands when not in use. He only drives it a few times a year, mainly for classic car gatherings such as Cars and Coffee events at Great Kills Park on Hylan Boulevard.
Current Condition of the Jaguar XK120 SE
Despite being nearly 70 years old, the Jaguar XK120 SE remains in remarkable condition. The odometer reads approximately 33,000 miles, and Peter believes this to be accurate.
The car still has its original engine and transmission, never requiring major repairs. However, like many classic Jaguars, it has minor oil leaks—a characteristic often joked about among Jaguar enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The story of Peter Principe and his Jaguar XK120 SE is a testament to the love and dedication that classic car owners have for their vehicles. More than just a car, it represents decades of history, passion, and careful preservation.
In a fast-paced world where modern vehicles dominate the roads, this 1954 Jaguar XK120 SE stands as a rare and cherished relic of a bygone era—one that continues to captivate enthusiasts and onlookers alike.
