The strangest, and unexpected, cars show up on the streets of my neighborhood of University Heights. Perennial San Diego sun may be hard on the paint, but arid Mediterranean climate assures that a well-maintained vehicle can last for decades—free from the abuse imposed by extreme temperature swings, frequent rain, high humidity, or seasonal changes. The SoCal coastal region has one season: Summer, in three variations of early, mid, and late.
Unsurprisingly, and fitting with California stereotypes, Volkswagens of various vintages, typically circa 1960s and 70s, are commonly enough seen. But this Jaguar XK120, in the Featured Image and companion captures, is a first. I saw it once, April 22, 2023, and never again.
I used Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to shoot the set. Vitals, for the first: f/2.4, ISO 50, 1/1050 sec, 70mm (film equivalent); 5:22 p.m. PDT. The second is the same but 1/2500 sec. The last is f/1.7, ISO 10, 1/530 sec, 23mm (film equivalent); 5:23 p.m.
Jaguar produced the sports car from 1948 through 1954. I don’t know the model year of this one.