2006-11-21 19:19:05 | pauls writes:

Car was at auction in '06
www.shannons.com.au/pages/auctions/lot.jsp

Auction description:
Originally delivered via the Los Angeles agent Charles Hornburg, this 1953 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupe spent most of its life in California before arriving in Australia as a sound, rust-free example. The Jaguar was then completely restored here in the early 1990s, including the conversion from left to right-hand drive and remains in the original and most attractive colours of Birch Grey with red upholstery. At some point a 3.8-litre XK engine from a Mark 10 has been installed, substantially improving performance over the standard 3.4-litre unit and a later Series 3 gearbox has also been fitted. The current owner acquired the XK120 in 1994 and has since used the car sparingly for club runs. To be sold unregistered but with a blue slip supplied upon sale. Documentation includes the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, original Californian registration slips and a copy of the Operating, Maintenance and Service Handbook. Currently registered in WA will be sold unregistered with a NSW Blue Slip suppiled after sale.

In-line 6-cylinder, 3781cc (see text)
4-speed manual
Drophead Coupe
Birch Grey
ZB2102-8
677665
Red
Leather

2007-01-20 05:30:36 | Lofty writes:

The Car has been converted to RHD. It now has an All Synchro and Overdrive box, 3.8 engine and 2" HD Carbs. Its a lot of fun!!

2010-04-16 07:42:58 | Robert Hosking writes:

The first owner, Frank Davis, was probably the director of "A Tree grows in Brooklyn" and "The Al Jolson Story" for each of which he was nominated for the Academy Award.

At one stage, (1974) it was owned by Donald Robert Stephens of Berkeley

I understand that the car was found in California , and taken to Western Australia in the 1990's where it was converted to Right Hand Drive, and had a MkX engine and series II XJ gearbox and overdrive fitted. As it still has the 2.54 rear axle ratio, it now has wonderful "long legs" when cruising in the countryside.

It had two owners in WA, Peter Flynn, who carried out the restoration work, and Lorraine Ironside.

I have owned the car since November 2006.

2013-10-24 17:43:48 | Robert Hosking writes:

I am no longer the owner. Sadly, auctioned on 21 October 2013 through Shannon's in Sydney.
Sold for $79,500 AUD. I will remind the new owner to update the site with his details if he wishes. The car gave me great, great pleasure over the years I owned it, and was totally reliable. Drove from Sydney to Melbourne and back for Nationals, and down to Eden several times, participated in many club events with the Jaguar Drivers Club of Australia (JDCA), and the car regularly received much comment. I will be back, once the bathroom, Kitchen, carpets, painting are complete and we complete our downsize. In the meantime, I have consoled myself with another Guitar - I suffer from GAS - Guitar Acquisition Syndrome. Keep up the Good Work! Rob.

2013-10-26 19:42:35 | Robert Hosking writes:

Please update information on Frank Davis, original owner of car.

He was a Hollywood writer and producer. However, both his oscar nominations were for writing (Screenplay) - "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" and "The Train". He also did the screenplay for "The Jazz Singer" , not "The Al Jolson Story" as originally noted.

2013-12-05 22:06:38 | pauls writes:

The Dec. 2013 edition of the XK Gazette reports the car was sold at Shannon Auctions Oct. 21, '13 for $79,500, Lot 11.