2019-04-13 00:22:18 | Reno writes:

car is offered on an Auction

www.shannons.com.au/auctions/2019-shannons-melbourne-autumn-classic-auction/DDJ5 ...

2019 Shannons Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction

Lot 54

1952 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

Guiding Range: $80,000 - $90,000

History

XK120 Roadster perfect for improvement

Current owner 23 years

Large amount of history with car

No Reserve

Any Jaguar XK120 roadster is going to grab attention and our example here is no different. Delivered new to the Charles Horburg Jaguar dealership in California as a left-hand-drive car, this February 1952-build XK120 roadster’s early history is unclear but at some stage was purchased by a McDonnel-Douglas Corporation electrical designer based in Missouri, who worked on the FA18 Hornet program and by 1971 had owned it 18 years. According to the Jaguar XK120 authority ‘The Jaguar XK120 in the Southern Hemisphere’ by John Elmgreen & Terry McGrath, our car was then imported into Australia in 1990 by Victorian Jaguar car club member Garry Ayre who in 1992 sold it to its next custodian a Mr Stephens still in its original bronze paint. In his ownership, some work was carried out by specialist Geoff Leake, and the car converted to right-hand-drive. In 1996 it changed hands again, to its now deceased scientist owner of 23 years. Along this journey it’s been fitted with a louvered alloy bonnet, alloy door skins and an alloy boot lid. Today it’s finished in metallic bronze, however the paint could do with a refresh or left as is. The original fawn interior was redone at some stage and is now a two-tone Tan and Brown. There are wind deflectors either side of the windscreen and driving lights at the front to give the car a bit more presence, and all the brightwork is in place, even if patinaed.