2018-04-15 17:58:07 | pauls writes:

Car was sold 2/18
bringatrailer.com/listing/1953-jaguar-xk120-fixed-head-coupe/
Sold On 2/5/18 For $152,500

Sellers description:
Lot #7966
Seller: korazzon
Location: Sonora, California 95370
Chassis: Chassis 680199
6,700 Miles Shown, TMU
Original 3.4L Twin-Cam Six
Special Equipment C-Type Cylinder Head
4-speed Manual Gearbox
Left-Hand Drive, Matching-Numbers Coupe
18 Years with Third Owner
Restored from 2000-2003
Class Wins at Bay Area Concours Events
Single Battery Conversion
Recent Vredestein Radials
Tools, Knock-off Hammer, Jack, Pump
Camshaft Adjustment Gauge
Original Battery Covers, Spares Included
Restoration Photos, Records
Period Literature
Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate
Private Party or Dealer: Private Party

This 1953 Jaguar XK120 is a left-hand drive, fixed-head coupe that left Coventry in October 1952 and retains its original 3.4L twin-cam six, which features a Special Equipment C Type cylinder head. Sold new by the Charles Hornburg dealership in Los Angeles, this example was acquired in 2000 from the estate of a lifelong friend in the Bay Area by the seller, who is its third owner. A restoration performed between late 2000 to early 2003 included exterior and interior color changes, as well as overhauls of the mechanical and electrical systems. The car has since appeared in numerous JCNA and SCCA-judged Bay Area concours events, garnering several class wins and Peoples' Choice awards. It was also written up in program features and a January 2015 article in XK Gazette. This XK120 is now being offered with a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, restoration records, period literature, and a clean California title in the seller's name.

Originally Lavender Grey, bodywork was stripped to bare metal and refinished in a year-correct, two-stage black during the 2000s restoration. Rockers, door jambs, and valances are shown in detail below. Cosmetics are said to remain of a high overall standard aside from three paint bubbles and a stress crack in the left front wing, all of which are detailed up close in the gallery. Brightwork is said to remain original, and signs of age are largely relegated to the license plate lamp and taillight housings. Note the California black plate.

Splined hubs and 16″ chrome knock-off wire wheels were substituted for the original disc wheel and rear spat setup. New Vredestein radials were shaved, balanced, corner-matched, and mounted fewer than 200 miles ago. Correct Lucas tri-bar headlamps are joined by independently-operable vintage Lucas fog lights mounted to the front bumpers. The seller notes two loose vanes in the front grille.

Interior work during the early 2000s included refinishing from factory Suede Green to the year-correct tan leather and wool carpeting seen here. Wood dash and trim pieces were stripped, repaired where necessary, and refinished. Photos detail the current condition of the wood, four-spoked wheel, headliner, smoked Perspex sun visors, and battery compartment. A single 12-volt Odyssey battery has replaced the stock twin 6-volt configuration, an easily reversible modification according to the seller. Original Bakelite battery covers are included in the sale.

Smiths instruments include a 140 mph speedo and reverse-sweep tach along with a slightly rotated combination gauge showing water temperature and oil pressure. All have been restored and are said to remain functional including the clock, though the fuel gauge could benefit from recalibration per the seller. The 5-digit odometer was reset to zero during a prior restoration in the early 1970s and currently shows just under 6,700 miles, approximately 4,700 of which have been added by the seller. Fewer than 500 miles have been recorded since 2007 and total mileage is unknown. Switchgear and interior lighting are said to work as they should.

A complete vintage tool set resides in the boot along with a Thor knock-off hammer, original jack, and air pump. The seller advises that the boot lid lock cylinder will need replacement due to a misplaced key. Also included are a box of period road spares, a camshaft adjustment gauge with pouch, and a collection of extra parts.

The original 3,442cc twin-cam six is said to feature a Special Equipment C-Type cylinder head with high-lift camshafts (W7368-8S), which was reportedly installed by the original dealer and is described as an early unit as indicated by the absence of a "C" stamp. Servicing of the engine, drivetrain, and suspension during the 2000s work is described as extensive. Mechanical and electrical overhauls were carried out by DeLongs Automotive of Campbell, California, while the twin polished SU carburetors were rebuilt and tuned by Island Automation of Victoria, British Columbia.

The engine bay is said to retain a correct appearance as scrutinized by multiple judges, and to remain in good order with minor wear picked up since the restoration. The seller notes details such as cloth wiring insulation as well as an exhaust manifold with crack-free porcelain. An electric cooling fan has been fitted and is said to be easily removable for display purposes. The factory front main rope seal was upgraded to a stainless and Teflon unit in 2013, with oil use and leakage described by the seller as typical for a Jaguar of this vintage.

The 4-speed manual gearbox features synchromesh in the top three gears and is reported to operate well without need of rev-matching or double-clutching if treated gently. Power is sent rearward to a Salisbury 2HA differential with a 3.77:1 gear ratio. Underbody photos detail the condition of the drivetrain, floors, and suspension. A set of leather spring gaiters is included but uninstalled. Four-wheel drum brakes are described as strong with firm pedal feel and minimal lateral pull when stopping hard.

The included Jaguar-Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate shows a build date of October 1952 and notes the original color scheme of Lavender Grey over Suede Green. Chassis number 680199, body number J2206, and 3.4L engine number W6311-8 are recorded.

Documentation is described as extensive and includes receipts, a log book, original manuals, and dealer brochures. Numerous photos and records are provided from the early 2000s restoration and subsequent exhibitions. Documentation of restoration work performed by the second owner from 1968-1999 is also included. A complete listing of concours and show appearances since 2003 is viewable in the gallery below, and the seller notes that inclusion of related trophies can be negotiated separately from the sale if desired by the buyer.

2024-01-12 14:27:55 | pauls writes:

1/12/24

The car is owned by and is part of The Coventry Foundation collection.

coventryfoundation.org