2016-12-05 20:07:26 | Mike May writes:

Found in Wisconsin last August with boat anchor engine, now in Michigan for restoration

2016-12-06 23:47:17 | Mike May writes:

Gary the new owner sent me some more info. and pictures which are posted at www.xk120limited.com/670083-2/

2017-10-13 14:45:10 | pauls writes:

Text from above URL:
Chassis number 670083, was the 83rd Alloy Roadster built, and it is one of one hundred eight-four delivered with left-hand drive. Well used, it was traded for parts and labor in 1969 to a lady farmer in Wisconsin who intended was to restore it. The car languished, the victim of equipment clashes and winter snows, on the farm until 2015. Rumors of its existence circled for years until the lady finally decided she would not be able to realize her dream. She cried upon it sale in the summer of 2016. Now in Michigan the car will be mated to a early 3.4 liter motor and be completely restored.

2017-10-16 22:52:35 | Mike May writes:

Gary has decided to sell this car to buy a dream.
Ebay UK item number:391907885281
If a new buyer is interested, I am restoring 670088 and 670110 and have quite a few of the unique missing parts.

2017-10-18 17:34:41 | pauls writes:

URL for above sale:
barnfinds.com/grannys-alloy-bodied-1950-jaguar-xk120/(Daily)&utm_content=morelink

Sellers description:
Alloy Bodied 1950 Jaguar XK120 Barn Find!

This is the kind of find many of us dream of. While you might not necessarily lust after a rare alloy bodied Jaguar XK120 drop head, this is such an interesting story that you can't help but wish you had been the person that had discovered it parked in the barn! Before we get to the story of how this Jag came to be found in an old ladies barn in Wisconson, you might want to take a look at the auction here on eBay in Bloomfield, Michigan with a starting bid of $28,000.

This story starts the same way many of the more incredible finds do, in a barn (well a garage on a farm to be exact). The lady that owned this car isn't your typical gal, she's a revolver packing former Easy Rider centerfold who apparently likes to go fast! She bought this Jaguar back in 1969 for the amazing price of $75 and a set of Mag wheels. It was already missing it's original engine and transmission at that point, so it went straight into her barn, where it stayed until the current seller was able to buy it from her.

The experience of actually buying this XK120 is an interesting story all on it's own, it involves a Brink's safe full of cash and several fire arms! The seller might be embellishing the story a bit, but it's a worthwhile read, so be sure to read their entire listing. But let's get back to this incredible car! Jaguar initially planned on only building a small number of XK120s as a marketing strategy, so they built the cars out of very exotic and expensive for the time aluminum (or alloy if you prefer). Demand proved so high that they decided to switch over to steel so they could actually turn a profit. The first 242 cars were skinned out of aluminum and are the most desirable of the XK120s. This car is #83 out of those 242 built.

The seller specializes in Jaguars and seems knows their stuff. They have already acquired the Jaguar Heritage Certificate verifying that is in deed alloy bodied car #83, although there's really no doubt when you look at the body panels. They also promised the previous owner $15k if she happened to find the original engine and transmission, but it seems unlikely that it will surface after all these years. The seller has a XK120 engine available for purchase, so that might be a good option for getting it back up and running.

This Jag is going to need a complete restoration if you plan on driving it ever again, and while they are relatively simple in design the aluminum body creates some issues. For one, the steel structure has a tendency to rust as a result of galvanic corrosion. Repairing dents is also a challenge, as aluminum tends to tear when bent. It isn't impossible to fix, but it can get expensive and requires a certain amount of knowledge and skill to do. If you are handy and patient, you could do much of the work yourself. Otherwise, expect to spend $200k or more to restore it. Once it's done though, it could be worth $350k+!

2017-10-24 12:07:15 | Anonymous writes:

barnfinds.com/grannys-alloy-bodied-1950-jaguar-xk120/
some interesting background history from the long time owner at this URL

2017-11-12 18:25:35 | Gary Seraphinoff writes:

I removed the car from the market after only two days on eBay UK. The lady owner objected to having her images shown (for which I apologized). After we reconciled she said she had a lead on the original drivetrain so it has been off the market since. I am glad that the listing was removed because I now have an original alloy head, intake manifold and carb set dated December 1949. The head I found a week or so after I withdrew the listing and the intake manifold I had on an early steel body engine that I never noticed before. The carbs I just found a few days ago. The block I have is within 500 numbers of the original. The original drivetrain is still getting hunted but I am ahead of the game.

2018-11-19 12:13:11 | Anonymous writes:

I imported the car from US and arrived here in Italy around March 2018. I knew the seller, Gary Seraphinoff , a true jaguar lover, from long time

I will post some pics soon, and also the one I prefer : a good shot on the trailer when in US ( it is that picture that made me felt in love for this car ). After removing the red layer of paint, the car is Black , as per its Heritage. ( Black with Biscuit- Pigskin interiors ). Almost a sound car with good chassis, and alloy better than expected. I will change the right front fender at first. The original bonnet is present.

At the moment I am working on another alloy 120, 670148, so we will see something around end of 2019.

2020-05-10 12:14:52 | Ferruccio Camerlengo writes:

forget to mentioned that I imported the car and I am now restoring it.

The complex and intriguing story of the car in Wisconsin has further developments : the tracks are still not cold, and we are searching infos around the area that lies 50 miles north from city of Madison, where the car was for some years : A Jaguar guy I contacted is searching something for me .

I will supply updates about the quest .