The Jaguar XK is one of those special cars that can look incredible, even when practically in ruin. This example is described as being quite rusty, to the point that the seller mentions a new frame that can be purchased separately. When you see that mentioned in a listing, you can almost guarantee the seller has already determined that such a repair may be necessary to bring this example back to road-going use. Regardless, any Jaguar XK120 that can be restored will always be desirable, even if you’re beginning with a basketcase. Find it here on eBay with bidding just under $7K and the reserve unmet.
I have a feeling we’re a ways off on the reserve price, as the seller has listed the Jaguar with a Buy-It-Now of $25,000. While I don’t doubt there’s someone out there who would pay that kind of cash for an XK, I do think that’s a hard buyer to find when starting with a car this rough. The convertible top is gone, the windshield frame the same, and every body panels shows some kind of damage or body filler (or both). Fortunately, the knock-off style wheels remain attached and the door shut lines still look reasonably straight.
Few details are provided about the engine, other than noting that the head is numbers matching to the car, but the block is not. It’s unlikely that any attempt has been made to see if the engine will run or even turn over, based on the condition. The listing doesn’t detail whether it’s a manual or automatic, but at this point, it’s likely the least of a potential buyer’s concerns, unless maximum ROI is the goal – in which case, you want to find a project-grade example with three pedals. The seller notes the inclusion of some spares in addition to the chassis, consisting of a good trunk lid and rear fenders.
Interior photos are limited to this shot of the bulkhead, so I’m not sure how much you can realistically tell by looking at it. I can spot the back of the driver’s seat, and what looks like the passenger seat, but not much else. With the convertible top missing for God knows how long, I’m not sure I’d hold out hope that the cabin was preserved while in storage – but if the ceiling wasn’t leaking above it, perhaps the lack of a roof didn’t really matter for the years it was parked indoors. An iconic car, for sure, and examples like these must temp the DIYer who don’t want to shell out the cash for a perfect one.
That’s about as bad as it gets…. and so is the asking price.
Best use I can think of for someone with a bag of Jag spares is a vintage race car.
What a waste…
For that kind of money the seller should include the other frame in the sale.
The wire wheels are junk. New can be bought cheaper than restoring.
These are iconic cars, but not that rare. The presence of a dual exhaust suggests this is a Special Equipment model also known as an MC. But even so, this is an unfortunate wreck.
If this could be bought right it would be a great DIY project. I’d put a SBC and 4 speed in it. Id restore the body and interior to stock condition. I’d do a black paint job with a red leather interior and red convertible top. $5k is all that it’s worth though in this condition.
In my experience, the people least interested in XK120/140/150 ownership are current owners closely followed by former owners.
Could you get one of these with an automatic trans in ’54??
I jumped at that as well. As far as I know they were never available with an auto. If the Brits had a UK produced auto in 54 it probably would not handle the Jag power. I think auto Jags (in other models) came out 5 or 10 years later when the Borg Warner 35 became available. I can’t remember an early E-type auto either.
Greetings All,
Not sure about the 120 but the 140 was available as an automatic for those who ordered it.
Jaguar’s automatic, a Detroit Gear DG250 was offered first for the MKVII in 1953 I beleve.
The 140 had an optional dash mounted sliding shift selector.
I have also seen a column mounted selector.
Greetings All,
Yes auto was available on the 140, not sure of the 120.
It was an American slushbox used in Chevy and Studebaker.
I believe it originally came out in the 40’s.
From the numbers, this is a Special Equipment roadster with the hotter cams as well as the higher compression head. This is the one to have if you can’t afford an ally body.
It’s maybe a $10-12k car? Probably will end up overseas.
As with the way the car sits, body work needed, parts missing. Car needs completely restored. If you pay what seller wants, then your in a big hole right out of the box. Either seller lowers price, or I’d be looking elsewhere.
It’s a manual transmission. There are interior photos where you see the stick shifter.
2500$ is all it is worth in current condition. I would buy it for that
This is why classic cars get so far gone. You get some idiot who wants ALL the money when he doesn’t have ALL the car. You don’t get all of the money unless you do the work. You can’t drag a pile of crap out of a barn and expect full price. This will be the same guy who probably conned an old lady out of it for $200.00. I haven’t looked but I’m willing to bet I can find a running car for 25k. This kind of crap ruins the hobby.
Greetings All,
Tracy, you have a point, but the the person that buys this is more likely the one that ruins the hobby.
He does it by purchasing this pile and then expecting restoration shops to work their magic for a number that works in their restoration project.
The guy that sold it….no crime in asking the moon. That is the Free-Market. You don’t have to pay it. If someone else does, oh well.