2025-08-07 09:43:58 | XK Data writes:

The record was updated:

2025-08-07 01:44:24 | Reno writes:

on auction at Kelham Hall Newark, Nottinghamshire

www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-1951-jaguar-xk120-roadster/

Description:

- A home-market example that was finished to special order in the believed-unique colour scheme of Primrose Yellow over a Black interior
- Notably original and retains its period correct 'spats and steels' plus Moss gearbox, etc.
- Subject to previous restoration work and presents in fine mechanical fettle

Jaguars do not come much prettier than this XK120 Roadster, which boasts a storied history and a believed-unique specification in addition to its good looks. Chassis 660920 was completed on 6th October, 1951, painted Yellow with a Black interior and originally sold through Henlys London. Reputedly the only British-market XK120 to be finished in the lovely primrose hue, which was intended for the American market, its owner in the 1990s, Barry Chadwick, documented its early history as follows: “Delivered new to a spinster lady in Warwickshire who kept it [almost] 20 years and covered only about 20,000 miles. She sold it to Peter Sargent, who had raced factory E-types in the 1960s. He sold it in about 1977. The car then went through the hands of two or three London owners and was sold to Straight Six in Edgware in 1985.”
Sargent was the owner at the time of the 1970 British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch, when his car was one of 28 Jaguars which completed a lap of honour to celebrate 21 years of XKs, each carrying a racing driver. A photograph from the occasion exists online, showing 660920 with a driver believed to be either Jo Siffert or Pedro Rodriguez. A colour photograph in the history file depicts 660920 at a 1970 JDC meeting at Silverstone, looking much as it does now.
Straight Six sold the car in 1985 to Mill Lane, which completed a thorough bodywork overhaul, and extensive work continued through the 1990s including overhauls of the cylinder head, brakes and Moss gearbox in 1993. It was also noted that high-lift camshafts and dual exhausts had been fitted at some stage after manufacture. The XK had only three owners between 1986 and 2007, when it was purchased by well-known actor and car enthusiast Chris Barrie, who has cared for it ever since.
Mr. Barrie undertook further work, with a stainless-steel exhaust and many other new parts purchased during 2013. An aluminium radiator and electric fan were bought from Guy Broad in 2016, and an alternator conversion was completed in 2018. A new fuel pump was purchased from Burlen in April of this year, and a new battery was installed in June. Total expenditure on parts since 2007 has exceeded £4,000.
Not used on the road since 2009, the XK120 appears in lovely condition but some general recommissioning must be advised before use. The history file includes a Jaguar heritage certificate, copious invoices, MOT certificates and tax discs dating back to 1991, magazines, correspondence and notes from previous owners. Available records suggest the 47,500 miles on the odometer is genuine.