A Timeless Journey: Racing Through Generations. In the words of owner/caretaker/driver Lars himself.
Some cars carry history. Others race with it. My 1952 Jaguar XK120 Roadster is both—a living machine that has carved arcs through California’s most iconic tracks for nearly half a century. But its story began long before I ever turned the key.
In the early 1970s, this XK120 was purchased by Joe Jensen, a passionate enthusiast who believed cars were meant to be driven—not parked. For many years, this stunning example of post-war British engineering served as a family car. Joe used it to take his children to school and make everyday memories on California roads. As time passed and the kids grew, so did Joe’s ambitions for the car. By the mid-1980s, he had transformed the XK120 from a daily driver into a dedicated track machine. Fitted with a roll cage and period-correct race prep, the Jaguar returned to its sporting roots. It soon became a familiar sight at events hosted by HMSA, CSRG, and the Monterey Historics—roaring through Sears Point and Laguna Seca.
Racing Forward… From 1984 through 2008, Joe raced the car extensively across California and beyond. He entered the Monterey Reunion more than once and even took the car to Texas for the “Eyes of Texas” event. In a heartwarming twist, his wife Ann also got behind the wheel during a CSRG “mechanical picnic,” a tradition that allowed family members to experience the magic for themselves. In 2014, I became the fortunate caretaker of this remarkable machine.
For me, the car represents more than heritage—it represents purpose. As someone who grew up in poverty and forged a life through entrepreneurial grit, I see the XK120 as a symbol of freedom, discipline, and legacy. My background is rooted in building companies, racing cars, and advocating for liberty and innovation. The Jaguar aligns perfectly with that spirit—it’s elegant but raw, fast but storied, beautiful but battle-hardened.
Since acquiring the car, I’ve proudly raced it with the Del Monte Trophy Race Group – the Pebble Beach Road Racers – preserving its presence at historic events. Every lap around Laguna Seca is a tribute to both its past and its ongoing legacy. From the golden age of post-war sports cars to today’s vintage racing circuit, this XK120 continues to thrill. Being behind the wheel connects me with the greats—Phil Hill (who won the inaugural Pebble Beach Road Race in 1950 driving a similar Jaguar XK120), Stirling Moss, and countless others who pushed the limits in machines just like this. But it also grounds me in the present. Each race is a moment to be fully alive, focused, and fast.
A Living Legacy. This Jaguar XK120 is not a museum piece—it’s a race car. And it’s a reminder that even decades later, great engineering and great stories still matter. I intend to continue racing it as long as I can—because cars like this deserve to be seen, heard, and driven.
And because stories like this deserve to keep going.
Further notes from the Del Monte Trophy archivists… Lars Mapstead hails from Aptos California and drives his 1951 Jaguar XK-120, his 1957 Alfa Romeo Guilia and a hairy great Porsche too hairy and too modern to be contemplated by us 1950s boys. Lars is a tech entrepreneur, road racing enthusiast, and was 2024 Libertarian Candidate for President. He grew up in a small barn in Big Sur, California. He overcame incredible odds to found and co-found multiple companies, including FriendFinder Networks, Fupa Games, and Legendary Speed. Watch his in-car video at the bottom of this page.
While this 1952 Jaguar XK120 is street-legal and licensed for driving, modifications were made, starting in 1984, to make it eligible to race with vintage race clubs CSRG, General Racing and HMSA at raceways in Northern California. Modifications include diaphragm-type clutch, fuel cell, roll bar, and 60-spoke heavy-duty wire wheels, racing seats, heavy-duty torsion bars and sway bar. Original equipment is also included: bumpers, leather seats, windshield and 54-spoke wire wheels. The car is #4 in the Del Monte Trophy Race Group register (https://dmtrg.com/the-definition/)
Here you can watch the car in Action at Laguna seca
For more info email lars@mapstead.com