The replica world was a wild and wonderful place in the late 70s and throughout the 1980s when builders of every size and capability found endless ways to package up exotic look-a-likes. As we’ve discussed previously, the quality of construction and accuracy of the design ran the g gamut from builder to builder, along with the type of engine offered. This is an Eagle Coachwork Jaguar XK120G replica, listed here on eBay with a suggested opening bid of $7,000. The body looks decent enough, and it’s hiding a Ford Pinto chassis along with an engine from a Buick paired to a manual gearbox.
Now, the fact that an XK120 was used as the basis for a replica is indicative of how desirable it once was among car collectors and enthusiasts. That’s not to say it’s not currently a desirable motor to own, but some of the fervor has died off a bit with the passage of time. The XK has always been perceived as a high-end sports car that movie stars and millionaires sought to own when the model was still relatively new. While seeing a real XK120 in the flesh is still a thrill, I don’t know that enthusiasts after a certain age still associate it with the same level of desirability. The very fact that Eagle made a sympathetic copy of it is indicative of the impact the XK had when introduced.
The company was based in Buffalo, New York, and generally has a good reputation for building a quality product. The replica Jaguar uses a fiberglass body that is four inches wider than the original, and while most references point to a Mustang II as the chassis donor, this listing refers to it as a “…reinforced 1978 Pinto chassis.” The other detail that stands out is the V6 engine, as most of these utilized domestic V8 power. The interior was crafted to a decent standard and thorough vintage in nature, with a classic wood-rimmed steering wheel and wood dash veneer. The seats and carpet look fairly generic.
The seller notes that the transmission is a Borg-Warner unit and that the engine is a Buick 231 with a 2-barrel carburetor. Horsepower ranged quite a bit over the lifespan of the engine, with early models producing around 110 b.h.p. and later engines around 150. The seller notes that there’s just 14,000 miles on the car since it was built, and that the widow of the original owner continued using it after her husband’s passing in 1990. What a lady – she kept driving it until her own passing in 2024, and it seems like this XK120 replica held special meaning for her. The opening bid seems fair to me, but there is a reserve. What do you think this replica Jaguar is worth?
Thats some history on this replica Jag. The fact that the widow enjoyed this from the time of her husbands passing until her passing. Its definitely been well taken care of. This is a really good looking replica, the V6 and a stick I’m sure is fine with something as light as this too. Hopefully it goes to a good new home and gets the same level of care its had over the years.
I think the old XK’s are better looking classics than the E Types. This replica looks great and I would not hesitate to drive it. It will get just as much attention from the uneducated XK eyes as a real one. I could not afford a good XK driver but this one would be fun!! Kudos!!!!
I think the old XK’s are better looking classics than the E Types. This replica looks great and I would not hesitate to drive it. It will get just as much attention from the uneducated XK eyes as a real one. I could not afford a good XK driver but this one would be fun!! I would drive this all the time and never have to worry about its value being depreciated! It’s not a ‘trailer queen’!!
Sorry about the duplicate comment!!
The thing about these replicas is that you can still enjoy the same feeling of uncertainty while driving as you would have with a much more expensive original.
Gosh, there’s something not right about seeing “XK120” and “Pinto” in the same sentence.
For me the lack of that engine noise from the Jag 3.4 would be the hardest thing to get used to.
In 1969 my boss bought a brand new MercedesBenz 280se at a cost of about 3 years my salary. Three or four days later he asked me to accompany him into the city and bring the car back to the factory. When we got into the city he said that he would phone to be collected when ready. I bogged my rods every time another vehicle came within about ten feet of the Merc and was VERY glad to get safely back to the factory where I waited, like forever, until the phone call came through from the office to tell me not to worry he had organised a lift back with a friend! I had never been so relieved in my life! So, whether it’s driving a persons beautiful replica or a new MB the feeling of possible damage is the same!
The only changes I would make to this lovely XK 120 Replica is to the front fenders where the bottom edge is far too square in comparison to the original fender shape, and to remove the horrible white striping around the edge of all the fenders which only goes to show how badly shaped the fenders are.
I feel the same about the striping. However, I don’t think it is paint. The retailers have rolls of chrome like door edging to snap over chipped up door edges. I believe that is what that is to protect/hide the raw edges of the fiberglass. Easy enough to remove (just pull) but you may not be happy with the result. This, IMHO is the only hokey thing on the car. And since the Pinto didn’t have a frame. I would be interested in what Pinto parts were used.
I would believe the front cross member and suspension from a Mustang II. And the control arms, steering and brakes are the same as .Mustang II. But how it’s all bolted together is what I would like to see. If it sells for anywhere close to the opening bid. It would be a good find. IMHO