Looking like something Auric Goldfinger would drive, this 1954 Jaguar XK120 has a real attention-getting bearing about itself. Unfortunately, it’s static, and not running – well technically not stopping, but perhaps rejuvenation is not that far away. One of 12K made, this roadster is located in Auburn, California and is available, here on eBay for a BIN price of $35,000. There is a make-an-offer option too. Thanks are extended to T.J. for this find!
Assembled in Coventry, England between 1948 and 1954, the XK-120 (meaning 120 MPH top speed) was offered in a roadster, drophead, and fixed-head coupe body styles and both right-hand and left-hand drive versions were offered. Our seller states that he has documentation dating to the 1960s though his ownership span is just three years. The golden hue looks a bit tarnished and scratched with the most obvious demerit given for the absence of the most distinctive grille. It would seem that the rear bumper is MIA as well. As for body damage, I suspect something is up with that passenger side door, it’s a bit lumpy looking. The images don’t reveal any current rust, the bane of this generation Jaguar, but the seller adds, “Rust spot on one front suspension mount“. There is an image or two of the underside included and some obvious scale is present but nothing more invasive than that.
The 160 HP, 3.4 liter, in-line six-cylinder engine is an impressive-looking piece! While it’s not stated, it would seem that it has experienced some service/refurbishment as of late. Specifically, the seller states, “Runs…Does not drive, needs brake work…Non-original engine…” The sole transmission available in ’54 was a four-speed manual.
Floorboards are for real in this Jag as that’s what they are composed of. The floor mat/covering is missing, as are any semblance of kick panels and the non-original seats will need to be reupholstered. The simplistic instrument panel is still sportin’ all of its gauges but there is one vacancy for some switch gear. The tonneau rivets are still in place – no word if this XK-120 actually comes with the cover, a small matter I guess.
A nicely restored XK-120 is a six-figure car all day long and a ratty-looking driver isn’t a whole lot more than what the seller is asking for our subject. I’m by no means a Jaguar expert but this example seems to be a sound basis for restoration and I’d say, priced appropriately. A refinishing will be necessary, and I’d suggest something other than gold – this model Jag has a regal bearing about itself, too regal IMHO to be wearing a cheesy-looking Macco paint job and color. Anyway, I say “good bones”, what says you?
The appearance suggests past hard use, non-original engine, potential for some costly bodywork/paint, interior far from correct, NO TITLE. All that adds up to “no deal” for me at anything near the price asked.
A serious XK enthusiast might feel different, but as a somewhat casual Jaguar fan, this seems to have more issues than I’d want to deal with.
Bought a 1954 XK120 in 1969 when I got home from Vietnam for the sum of $1,000. I had a lot of fun with that car. Don’t think I could get in and out of one today!
Goldfinger
Looks like it belongs on a carnival round. Money doesn’t match, neither does the engine, no brakes and no title means it is a bad deal.
It seems like a long road to pay day. I love Jaguars but I don’t know a thing about these. I’m looking forward to any more updates about this car, out of curiosity. Did they race these? They are eye catching little sports cars. The MONEY of course will tell the story. Good luck, great article too.
Hi Robert. Jaguar XK 120’s. 140’s, 150’s, Mk 1’s, 2’s, 7’s etc. all won many, many races and rallies world wide. Lot’s of them still race every year at Goodwood and Silverstone. I went to both last year, very exciting racing with several American Fords, Chevs, Cobras and even a Hudson last time. You guys should definitely make an effort to come over.
“Rumpled-Doorskin” not GoldFinger…
The restoration cost for these cars is very high, but this one doesn’t look too far gone. Of the three series, the 120 has the purest lines, even if it is somewhat less refined than the 140, and especially the 150.
If it were properly restored, it would be a showpiece.
There are many expensive items to fix and find here. When driving it you wonder how a single race was won with it, but they cleaned up in the right hands. $15k is more like it and then needing a labor of love.
I’ve always liked the style of this particular time frame, but for convertibles only…. the hardtops were ugly. I don’t like the color of this one either.
Looks a lot like one I briefly owned in 1969 in Sacramento, CA. I traded a Honda 250 Scrambler to a neighbor who needed transportation. It was missing the rear end yoke. He had lost it when he moved. It was an XK120MC which had a performance cylinder head for more power. It also had a damaged front grille. I sold it to a Jaguar enthusiast for $800. He called me and complained that it might be a 1954 and he wanted some money back. I told him to bring it back and I would refund his $800. He hung up. I never heard from him again. I wonder if he switched engines and this is the same car. Auburn is not far from Sacramento.
Lol, run Forest run….no title, rumpled passenger door non original engine all reasons to stay far away from this money pit and possible unregistable vehicle…all at way to much $$$
Hemmings has an unrestored XK120 listed for $59k. I love old Jags and although this is not a complete numbers matching vehicle it can be restored or retromodded while still commanding a good price. You can find info on it from many sources thanks to the internet.
Jaguar Heritage Trust https://www.jaguarheritage.com/archive-services/certificates/ has all factory details (engine, gearbox, paint, interior, etc.) on every vehicle produced since 1931 and if restored can issue a Heritage Certificate showing authenticity.
You can also find info at Jaguar Forums https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/vindecoder.php their VIN decoder will provide the same information.
It would make a great project for someone looking to restore another lovely lady back to former glory.