2021-07-19 11:56:02 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 8/21
www.bonhams.com/auctions/26887/lot/92/

Auction description:
1952 Jaguar XK120 ROADSTER
Chassis no. 671867
Engine no. W4209-8

3,442cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
160bhp at 5,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Expertly restored by legendary XK Scott Sutton and other specialists
*Tastefully and reversable upgraded with period performance features
*Retains matching numbers driveline and bodywork
*Offered with extensive history and restoration file

When a marque devotee conjures up the image of the ideal XK120 Roadster in his mind's eye – this car may well be what he sees. Old English White with red leather – la crème de la crème, with a cherry! Not surprisingly, this car was an award winner at multiple concours following its world-class frame-off restoration, which took over three years to complete in the early 1990's. No expense was sparred, and no bolt left unturned.

The current owner - who has been its sole caretaker since the 1990s - recognized the significance of the Jaguar XK120 Roadster, also known as an OTS or Open Two-Seater, and submitted it to the care of Scott Sutton, a celebrated expert in the West Coast Jaguar community. Mr. Sutton commenced work on the Jaguar but was eventually unable to complete the project and Steve Gordon was commissioned to coordinate the final stages of restoration.

Primarily, all mechanicals were meticulously disassembled, rebuilt, restored or renewed. The original engine was rebuilt according to, and sometimes beyond, original specifications. A new crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons were installed, and the original gearbox case restored using the gears from an XK150 - the original XK120 gears accompany the car. The factory heavy-duty hydraulic drum brakes were restored, and powder coated accompanied by a new master cylinder and stainless-steel brake lines. The electrical system was rebuilt with a new wiring harness and the distributor replaced with a solid state Pertronix unit. The suspension received new hand-laced leaf springs that are, in the words of the owner, 'truly works of art!'

Meanwhile, the frame was stripped, prepared and powder coated while the metalwork was undertaken by the late great Jim Muzzy. An aficionado of the old skills, Mr. Muzzy hand-built panels over English and French forming tools, and hand-beat singular pieces. Except for the glass, it is his handiwork we see in the Brooklands screens, mirror and head rests on this car. The original paint was Old English White, and it took the expertise of Robert Etcheverry to complete the many layers of primer, color, and finally the clear coats, to restore the car to its former brilliance. The ultimate assembly and polishing fell to Brian Hoyt of Perfect Reflections to complete. The upholstery was crafted in luxurious red leather, exactly to specification by Ken Nemanic of Vintage Auto Upholstery, and the car was finished with custom, hand-built wire wheels, slightly larger than original, and painted in Old English White by British Wire Wheels. This work comes with an extensive folio of invoices, most written by hand by the craftsmen themselves.

As testimony to the excellence of the restoration carried out almost 30 years ago, this XK120 is absolutely stunning. It is unusual to find an XK120 Roadster is such great condition, restored by true craftsmen, and presents an opportunity to be seized.