2017-10-19 13:39:53 | jrf writes:

672623 is currently available at Hyman Ltd. Classic Cars

2017-10-19 16:40:02 | pauls writes:

URL for above listing:
hymanltd.com/vehicles/6012-1952-jaguar-xk-120-clark-gables/

Sellers description:
Brothers George and Sam Barris were car nuts from their earliest days. As a young boy living in California, the younger George would build balsa wood model cars and carefully customize them, paying close attention to detail and form, winning multiple contests with his work. The first real car he and his brother restored was a 1925 Buick they received as payment for their labor in a family restaurant. They immediately began changing its appearance, making subtle improvements and experimentations... and with that, Barris Custom was born. The brothers opened the Barris Custom Shop when George was just 18, and began doing bodywork and mild customizing for their friends and school mates. Their first major breakthrough came in 1951 when a customer named Bob Hirohata ordered a custom Mercury from Barris Customs after seeing one Sam had built for himself. The resulting car, which became known simply as "The Hirohata Merc" is widely regarded today as one of the most important custom cars in history. When new, it was shown at the Detroit Motorama where the exquisite style and craftsmanship overshadowed much of the work by Detroit's top designers. The success of the Hirohata Merc drew newfound attention to their shop and orders from California's elite began pouring in.

While George would eventually become known for his wild, over-the-top "Kustoms" and kitschy movie cars, his early work was substantially more subdued and finely considered. One early customer of note was the famed Hollywood superstar Clark Gable. Beyond his on-and-off screen exploits, Gable was extremely well known as a collector of the finest automobiles. Throughout the course of his illustrious career, Gable owned several Duesenbergs (including a Model JN and an SSJ), a Packard Eight Convertible Victoria, and both a Mercedes Benz 300Sc and 300SL Gullwing, among many others. When Jaguar unveiled their sensational new XK120 in 1948, Gable was smitten by the stunning new machine from Coventry, England, and he soon appeared in person at International Motors on Wilshire Boulevard in Hollywood to insist that HE would be the recipient of the very first XK120 delivered on the West Coast. Gable would go on to own two other XK120s, one of which was a gift by Tony Hulman of Indianapolis Motor Speedway fame, and would remain in Indy for its whole life. While his last XK120 was a 1952 model which he promptly handed over to George and Sam for the Barris Customs touch, and is the subject we proudly feature here.

Clark Gable was certainly no wallflower, but as evident from his other famous cars, he had restrained and sophisticated tastes when it came to motoring. Because of this, he didn't go crazy with the XK120, instead relying on George Barris to subtly refine the shape of the already gorgeous standard XK120. Starting with a stock 1952 Open Two Seat model on steel wheels with rear wheel spats, Barris began at the front end by shaving the trim from the headlights, as well as smoothing the front fenders by shaving off the turn signal plinths. The wing mirrors were removed and holes filled, while the body sides are essentially left alone to highlight the beautiful original shape. Around the back, the boot lid is shaved, save for the handle, and the license plate relocated down low. A removable hard top was built to appear like a Carson Top, which features a full headlining and a leather trimmed parcel shelf that complements the red upholstery. To finish it off, a pair of subtle Barris Custom Cars badges were affixed to the cowl below the windscreen posts. The overall effect is quite understated, highlighting the beauty of the basic XK120 form quite brilliantly.

Upon its discovery in 2010, this very important Jaguar XK120 was sent to marque expert Jim Kakuska of JK Restorations in Oswego, Illinois where it received a stunning restoration to concours standards. It presents today in beautiful condition, with the lovely paint color reminiscent of Jaguar's own Opalescent Sand. The body and paint are finished to concours-quality levels, the panel fit is outstanding and the long, sweeping body sides are exceptionally straight. The car retains the original steel wheels and wheel spats which, combined with the subtle Barris touches just make this XK120 look impossibly sleek and beautiful. Chrome plating on the delicate bumpers, windscreen frame, wheels and minor fittings is all of show-quality. This car is a numbers-matching example with a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate as well as a certificate of authenticity from Barris Kustoms to confirm its incredible pedigree.

As with the body, the interior was restored to a very high level in correct red leather trim on the seats and door cards, along with proper red cockpit rails, dash and wool carpeting. The quality, fit and finish are outstanding. The Barris-designed, Carson-style hard top was restored to original spec, trimmed in tan canvas to give the appearance of a soft top (there is no folding soft-top fitted). The inside of the top is lined in red, with the distinct parcel shelf area covered in leather to match the seats. Otherwise, the interior is standard fare XK120 OTS, just restored to concours quality.

The outstanding quality continues when lifting the bonnet to reveal the original 3.4 liter XK six-cylinder engine. Topped with signature polished alloy cam covers, it breathes through correct S.U. Carburetors and proper porcelain exhaust manifolds. As one would expect from a specialist restoration, the detailing is to a very high standard and the engine bay is simply gorgeous to look at. It is a very strong running car as well, having been well-sorted since the restoration and is highly enjoyable to drive. The car comes to us fresh from the lawn at the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and the sale will include the aforementioned Heritage Certificate and Barris Documentation, as well as copies of period photographs of Mr. Gable with this XK120. This very special and truly unique Jaguar XK120 benefits not only from a fascinating history, but also from a truly world-class restoration by respected marque experts, and is certain to qualify for virtually prestigious concours or road event worldwide.

$425,000

2017-10-20 00:08:22 | terry writes:

What documentation is there that Clark Gable owned this car?

2017-10-20 11:34:28 | Mike writes:

Seems strange that Barris would make such a badly fitting removeable hard top as well removing the roadster top and frame then leave the durable fasteners on the side of the tonneau panel. Just sayin.

2020-03-13 09:30:15 | pauls writes:

Car now offered at:

www.autosportdesigns.com/inventory/stock/7595/jaguar-xk-120-roadster-first-owned ...

Car now in Huntington Station, NY, previously St. Ann, Missouri.

Seller's description:

1952 JAGUAR XK-120 ROADSTER FIRST OWNED BY CLARK GABLE - CUSTOMIZED BY GEORGE BARRIS

--Opalescent Sand with Red Leather interior, Red Carpeting, George Barris Customization, Custom Carson style Beige padded hard top, Exceptional concours restoration with collector ownership since, Matching numbers, 3.4 Liter 6-cylinder engine, 4-speed manual gearbox, First owned by Clark Gable, Jaguar Heritage Certificate, George Barris Certificate.

 This XK-120 was built on July 23th, 1952 and delivered in Los Angeles, CA on August 13th, 1952. The 120 was purchased by none other than famed Hollywood superstar, Clark Gable. Gable had a love affair for fine automobiles with a collection including early Dusenbergs, Packards, Mercedes 300SL and of course the Jaguar XK-120. Gable was awe struck when Jaguar unveiled the new design in 1948. So much so, Gable owned the very first XK-120 delivered to the West Coast. This XK-120 was Gable’s third and last 120 he owned. 

Upon purchasing, Gable sent the 120 to Barris Custom Shop run by George and Sam Barris of what would become a world-renowned customization shop known as Barris Kustom Industries, known for many movie cars, hot rods and other very special one-off vehicles. Documentation from Barris shows the modifications done for Gable and this XK-120. Originally delivered in Battleship Grey as the JHTC shows, Barris repainted the entire car in Gold-Bronze. Further changes include headlights blended into the front fenders by shaving the trim from the headlights and shaving the turn signal plinths. The wing mirrors were removed as well as the license plate holder to shaved blended into the line of the trunk lid. A removable hard top was built to mimic the Carson Top (documentation included), which features a Red leather headliner and Red leather trimmed parcel shelf. To complete the custom affects, a pair of subtle “Barris Kustom” badges were appointed to the bottom of each A-pillar.

With few details after Gable’s ownership, this 120 was discovered in 2010 and was owned by a well-known collector from Chicago, IL. The car was sent to marque specialist, Jim Kakuska of JK Restorations in Oswego, IL. The restoration was performed to top concours quality standards leaving no stone left unturned totaling over $350,000. The 120 wears a superb shade of Jaguar’s Opalescent Sand, very close to the Gold-Bronze paint Barris applied many years ago. The car retains its original steel wheels and wheel spats.

2020-04-05 07:49:52 | pauls writes:

Car now on BAT

bringatrailer.com/listing/1952-jaguar-xk120-roadster-8/

Sold For $276,000 On 4/10/20

Auction description:

Lot #29942

Seller: racer355

Location: Huntington Station, New York 11746

Chassis: 672623

18k Miles Shown

Original 3.4-Liter Inline-Six

Four-Speed Manual Gearbox

Purchased New by Clark Gable

Modified by Barris Kustoms

Restored c. 2010

Barris Gold over Red Leather

Carson Hardtop

Shown at Pebble Beach 2017

Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate

Barris Kustoms CoA

Private Party or Dealer: Dealer

This 1952 Jaguar XK120 is an open two-seater that was purchased new by Hollywood film icon Clark Gable and modified early in its life by Barris Kustoms. Finished in Barris Gold over red leather, chassis 672623 features shaved trim, wheel spats, and a Carson hardtop. The car was discovered in storage in 2010 by a Chicago-based collector, who subsequently commissioned a restoration by Jim Kakuska of JK Restorations. Power is from the original 3.4-liter DOHC inline-six, which is paired with a four-speed manual gearbox. The car was shown at the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, as well as the 2019 Greenwich Concours, 2019 and 2020 Amelia Island Concours. This XK120 OTS is now offered by the selling dealer with a Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate, tool roll, fitted luggage, photo album, documentation from George Barris, and transferable New York registration.

Clark Gable is believed to have owned three XK120s, including one of the first imported to the US, purchased new at International Motors on Wilshire Boulevard in Hollywood. He received a second as a gift from Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony Hulman. This car, which left the factory finished in Battleship Grey according to the Jaguar Heritage certificate, was sent by Mr. Gable to George and Sam Barris, who shaved the headlight spears and smoothed out the front fenders by filling in the turn signal plinths and rearview mirrors.

Around back, the boot lid was also shaved save for the handle, and the license plate was relocated down low. A pair of Barris Kustom badges were affixed to the cowl below the windscreen posts. A custom-made Carson hardtop was also sourced by Barris Kustoms and was reconstructed during the restoration.

Factory 16″ wheels, covers, and rear spats were retained. George Barris provided a paint sample of the custom gold color he initially painted the car with in the 1950s. This color, with less overall metal flake, was reapplied during the restoration.

The seats, door panels, and cockpit surround are trimmed in red leather over matching wool carpets.

Center-mounted Smiths instrumentation includes a 140-mph speedometer and a reverse-sweep 6k-rpm tachometer with an inset clock. 18k miles are shown on the odometer, approximately 100 of which were added by the selling dealer.

The numbers-matching 3.4L inline-six is equipped with twin SU carburetors and a pair of porcelain-coated headers. The W5561-8 stampings on the engine block and cylinder head match the Jaguar Heritage certificate.

The Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate notes that the car was dispatched from the factory on August 23, 1952, and originally distributed through Hornburg of Los Angeles, California.

A photo of Clark Gable standing with the car accompanies the sale, as does a Carson Top Shop advertisement featuring the car. A photo of a certificate of authenticity from Barris Kustom Industries is attached in the gallery along with correspondence from George Barris and his daughter.

A factory tool pouch resides in the trunk, along with custom-made luggage wearing Clark Gable’s initials. A video from the seller is attached below.

2020-04-07 12:41:25 | pauls writes:

Note the black and white photo of Gable with an XK120 is not believed to be this car. The photo is unclear but several items on the car in the photo imply it is a different car, the primary one being that it is missing the vents in the fender/wing. All that is being shown here is circumstantial there is no document e.g registration, sales order or other that ties this particular car to Gable. That Barris remembers a gold car is not proof, read the description carefully.

2020-04-19 11:28:56 | Quinn writes:

And I thought I had the genuine article..!

2022-09-22 06:09:02 | pauls writes:

Ebay item 9/22/22

www.ebay.com/itm/314156956318

Car has a buy it now price of $349,995 for 4 days, seller rpexotics, 67k miles, car now in Saint Louis, Missouri, previously Huntington Station, New York.

Seller's description:

RP Exotics is pleased to offer this 1952 Jaguar XK 120 Roadster, the last and final of three models previously owned by Hollywood superstar Clark Gable. Only ~6400 open two seat models were produced. However, this particular XK120 is made exponentially more special by the fact that it is the one and only Jaguar XK 120 to have ever been modified by George Barris of Barris Kustoms. Barris added his refined and sophisticated taste to the already stunning looks of the Jaguar, shaving the headlight spears and smoothing out the front fenders. He also shaved the boot lid in the rear and relocated the license plate, leaving an incredibly smooth tail save for the elegant handle. Harris also sourced and fitted a custom-made Carson hard top revised to have an extra two inches of height for Gable’s relatively large frame. This amazing example is finished in Barris Gold Metallic Flake paint over a Red Leather interior with matching wool carpets and is truly beautiful! It has been shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Greenwich Concours, and two Amelia Island Concours! It shows only 17,984 miles and is ready for a new home!

This XK120 is equipped with the original numbers-matching 3.4L inline-six with twin SU carburetors and a set of porcelain-coated headers. It’s attached to a four-speed manual gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels. The car was restored by Jim Kakuska of JK Restorations in the early 2010s, and is in great condition!

The vehicle also comes with a Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, tool roll, original fitted luggage, a photo album including photos of George Barris and Clark Gable with the car, and documentation from Barris Kustoms.

2022-10-14 07:03:13 | pauls writes:

Car returns to ebay 10/14/22

www.ebay.com/itm/314186903638

Classified ad price $349,995, same seller.

2022-11-13 06:21:44 | pauls writes:

Car returns to ebay 11/13/22

www.ebay.com/itm/314228457249

Classified ad price $349,995, same seller.

2022-11-25 02:02:31 | Mike May writes:

Over the last few days, and before the end of the auction, I have actively been seeking proof of the provenance of this car on BaT.

After a few exchanges (still available on BaT) with the owner, my subsequent last comment has been deleted by BaT.

My deleted comment "@Nuvolari612 I am trying to bait you because my assumption is that you turned over the sale to a dealer to let them deal with the question you cannot answer. 

Where is the proof it is not a Gable story? 

The flowery but unsubstantiated narratives from previous owners/dealers, reporters and many other sources are of no interest to me as they are just repetitive of a seemingly well orchestrated advertising campaign.

I believe, that until there is real documentation, this hyped, well restored and possibly mildly customized by Barris XK120 is just an 1952 XK OTS with a Carson hard top. I will be happy if you prove me wrong. GLWA

I read your 3:21 post and can assure you I am not trying to insult anyone.

As the owner of several XK120s I think I am in a position to post or buy without your approval."

Obviously BaT thought different.

I then sent BaT this message "Just a thought. I would like to point out that the lack of documentation of the Gable ownership in this and the previous auction might be considered FALSE ADVERTISING and open the door to litigation."

2022-11-25 11:51:11 | Mike May writes:

Sold for $311,000 on BaT 11/25/22

2022-11-25 15:51:34 | pauls writes:

And still no proof.