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Low Mileage Kitty: 1950 Jaguar XK120

1950 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

Being a British car lover, it’s easy for me to imagine owning an XK120. The big kitty absolutely surprised the world despite being intended as a low-production showcase for the new XK-series inline 6-cylinder engine. Early XK120’s have a unique, classy presence unequaled in my opinion in the classic car world. This total restoration project is located in Hanover, Massachusetts and is listed for auction here on eBay.

1950 Jaguar XK120 Project

There’s no way to sugarcoat this—the XK120 needs everything cosmetic. The good news is that it looks largely complete on the outside, with bumpers, grille, headlamps and the like being present. Top bows are there (although there’s no top). There even appear to be some side curtains present, one on the car and one in the spare parts collection.

1950 Jaguar XK120 Interior

I guess this is what a “bare bones” interior really means! Seats may be difficult to come by and don’t appear to be in the accompanying parts. It is nice to see the original steering wheel in place. I’ve heard that foot room and ergonomics leave something to be desired in the XK120; I know changes were made in the following model, the XK140, to correct this. Perhaps period appearing rallye-type seats could be used instead to give a little more room (if the new owner isn’t a purist).

1950 Jaguar XK120 Engine

The XK 6-cylinder engine is present, and although we don’t know for sure that it’s the original engine, the ad claims that it has the features unique to early XK120 engines. As a matter of fact, this car is only 50 or so serial numbers away from being one of the very first aluminum-bodied XK120’s which are worth considerably more than later cars. To me, just being close is just thatclose but not there. I don’t think I’d be willing to pay extra for a car that was close to being something special. Would you?

1950 Jaguar XK120 Underside

What pictures there are of the underside look fairly solid, and a previous owner has had inner sills and floors installed, so some of the work is done. The seller states that the car rolls, so if you want to head up there and pick it up yourself you can easily load it on a trailer.

Photo courtesy Sports Car Digest
Photo courtesy Sports Car Digest

Despite this being a lot of work, I felt I needed to show you what it could look like when it’s done. This car was originally Birch Gray with Red/biscuit leather. What classy lines! I sure hope someone restores this beauty to what it was. Are you the right person to do it?

Comments

  1. Avatar Leo

    The sellers buy it now price is ridiculous. !! This is truly a car where the old motto “buy the best you can” truly applies!! Only those with VERY deep pockets need apply. Even then, there will be no upside to this project.

    Like 0
  2. Avatar Greg S

    Here’s one of those “If only…” In 1982 my best friends parents passed away in a tragic motorcycle accident. His father was the one responsible for our love of the hobby, namely Jaguars. He left behind about 8 vintage Jaguars some yet to be restored. What cars he had restored were amazing. Whenever I visited, I was assured a ride in one of these awesome machines. After he passed my friend was liquidating his fathers’ estate. Because we were close friends he offered me a beautiful Royal Blue 1952 XK-120 for $4,000. I wanted it so bad, but I just didn’t have the cash. Granted I was only 23 at the time. If only…

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Vince Habel

    Amazing he only wants 52,500 for it. It isn’t April 1 yet.

    Like 0
  4. HoA Howard Member

    I would classify this as an ” ambitious restoration”. It looks as if it was pulled out of a swamp or one of the Baillon cars in France. I’m sure these are quite rare, and a thrill to drive, but I’d have to pass. I never comment on prices, as I’m not buying it anyway, nor do I know the current value, but it looks like a better parts car than a restoration project.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Kem Jones

    As previously stated I think the buy it now price is way out of line .Is he just showing off his car?I am restoring a 1949 Triumph 2000 (TRA 1643 )and hope to have it complete for less than his asking price . They will be both beautifll cars when finished . Kem

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Alan (Michigan)

    Nutty pricing? Maybe.

    Asking over 50 grand, and only posting low resolution photos, which lack the ability to show any detail at all? Now that really does qualify as earning the descriptive word. This is either purposely done to hide just how bad the car is… Or results from a failing to realize how important good photos are to any eBay sale over $100. In either case, the seller gets at best a D grade for effort. And that is being generous. Geez.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Junkman Member

    I wonder how the car looks now, as the place where the pics were taken has snow piles 14ft high all around it. No mention of seats being available, no pics on the lift, probably will strike a deal on the phone and cut eBay out of the deal.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar skloon

    At least it is a roadster without interior, I worked on a few 120DHC’s one had an interior the other two didn’t so it had to be made from scratch- plus the bodys seemed to be different dimensions from one to the other, Beautiful when done but I don’t see more than $35k here

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Mark E

    Augh, my eyes!! Why the h**l do people post pics like this when they sell items? Ebay doesn’t charge by the pixel. Is it that they’re still trying to get by with their Fotoman camera from 1992 or what? My suggestion to the seller would be to be a sport and splurge…spend $150 on a new camera and post the pics without reducing them to 100×100 size! Expecially if you’re hoping to get over $50k. Geez…

    Like 1
  10. Avatar xtype

    Aside from all of that, the chassis number is too early for side vents or a heater, both of which are pictured on this car. Questionable at any price.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Dolphin Member

    Low mileage but very high maintenance….and repair.

    Auction stopped early, but not because it was sold to the highbidder.

    Like 0
    • Avatar docvoltage

      A strong wind rattled the vehicle and it came apart in small chunks, none over 1 cubic inch. Hence no longer available.

      Like 0

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