How can you not know a Jaguar XK120 when you see one? It has some of the most distinctive lines on wheels and is indelibly seared in my memory by Lesney’s No. 32 Matchbox example from the early ’60s. Today’s 1952 example is an ongoing project, dressed in full metalwork regalia, so let’s check on its progress. This Jag is located in Westfield, Massachusetts and is available, here on craigslist for $29,950. Thanks to Gunter K for this find!
The XK120 was offered between 1948 and 1954 and was sold in both Fixed-Head Coupe (FHC with steel roof) and Drophead Coupe (DHC with a convertible soft top), both being two-seater body styles. Originally produced with aluminum bodies, steel took over in 1950 as the preferred construction material. The total 12K production volume was available in both left-hand and right-hand drive varieties. BTW, the “120” designation in the name is to denote a top speed of 120 MPH.
Before even delving into the obvious exterior status, check out that engine, it’s a visual masterpiece in the form of a 160 HP, 3.4 liter, DOHC, in-line six. There was a more powerful 180 HP version offered in mid-1951 but the seller doesn’t provide engine details other than to claim that it is the original powerplant so it could be the optional variant. We’ll assume that the engine is currently non-operative but perhaps it’s capable and waiting for further completion. Gear changing happens via a four-speed manual transmission.
And now, for the case at hand, the body. Well, the seller says little about that item other than to claim that it has been stored for 30 years, and, “Restoration was started, with much of the heavy lifting completed by its third and current owner. The frame was sandblasted and painted, while a handmade sway bar was made with all new bushings. All new brake cylinders were purchased, as well a new gas tank which has been sealed”. The body is about as base-level as you can get with stripped paint, and what looks like blasted body panels, along with welded-in patch panels in places. The seller further mentions that “This XK was originally done in the distinctive color combination of twilight blue over blue interior“. I’m sure it was sharp-looking but that all seems irrelevant now. The trim and additional exterior pieces are in boxes, with some specifically mentioned, but not all, so how complete a car can be built from the seller’s parts trove is unknown.
The interior is totally gutted with a continuation of metal fabrication and welding evident. As to whether or not there are seats, and other items like the dash, gauges, wiring, door release mechanisms, etc. is not disclosed, though there is a steering wheel hanging from the parts shelf.
While an XK120 is a significant automobile, this example will not be for the faint of heart or one with stars in their eyes. It appears that a lot of significant, difficult work has occurred, but this Jag has a long way to still go and it’s going to take a dedicated individual with specific XK120 experience to bring it home, don’t you think?
As a little kid, two family friends had 120 Jags, one roadster and one coupe. Sitting in the driver’s seat I could only see the horn button but I was in car hog heaven. Still am.
Can anyone tell if this is a left hand or right hand drive? Looks like there’s a hole in the left side firewall but looks like the dash is on the right.
Hope the next person has a deep wallet as I think they’re going to need it.
I’m pretty sure the the high praise Enzo Ferrari had for the successor to this car (E-Type) was off-the-cuff…but heard by people who were just looking for something to run with. That being said…the E-Type was still a beautiful car. And THAT being said…these XK120s are even more purely beautiful than the E-Type. Especially in roadster form.(imo)
She’s LHD @86_Vette_Convertible, the column hole is visible as you noted. The IP (dash/gauge cluster) sits in the center, making it simple to build these as LHD or RHD. Many LHD cars repatriated to the UK have been converted to RHD.
Much work done here but much, much more to do.
Holy $$ I have been through two like this. Never again. Ever. NO
Should be left hand steering. The bracket to the left of the dash and the depression in the top of the driver’s foot well indicates left hand steering. A welded on bracket on the shaft housing bolts to that bracket.
IMO the XK120 fixed head coupe is one the best looking production cars ever built. The lines and curves are wonderful to look at. I would do this car as a sort of resto-mod with as much modern stuff as I could cram into it without destroying the shape of the car.
Whenever I see twin çarbs, I thank my departed Father for insisting I learn to use Uni-Syn on a Twin-H Hornet. I agree that the roadster looks better.
Didn’t a wrecked 150 drophead just go for north of $120k? Why is this 120 only worth $30k? I’m confused…
JP
The expensive drophead that recently sold was different, here’s some of the differences;
Drophead [open car]
150 instead of 120
150S competition spec engine, not a standard 150
And finally; It was in the UK and RHD. About 95% of the 120 thru 150 cars were LHD export vehicles, and the majority landed in North America. Finding actual RHD “home market” cars is difficult.
So this is a 120 coupe with the standard 2-carb motor, LHD. Probably the least desirable of the XK cars.
Ok, general auto-related insanity. Got it, haha.
This has been listed on Hemmings for a long time. Lots of good photos there, but never enough to completely assess what’s missing. I’ve had two XK140 coupes (many years ago), but the look of the 120 is even better. If you knew exactly what you were up against, it could be worth the asking price, but…
I took a roadster once in 1964 for a test drive. It was for sale in San Francisco for $600.00, if memory serves right. I found the seating position to be impossible, what with a gigantic steering wheel directly on my chest and the seats apparently not being adjustable. The steering was extremely heavy, as were the breaks and the clutch. After fighting this monstrosity for 15 minutes, I gave up being used to my TR3, a car I loved. As far as looks go, a pristine coupé is doubtlessly a most beautiful car especially the RS version with leather hold down straps for the hood.
I always preferred the coupe over the roadster because of that beautiful roofline. I remember seeing one for sale near my high school in 1975, they were asking 2300.00 for it. I wanted it badly, but it was gone before I had the money for it. Still one of my favorite designs.
Actually the 120 and on series was offered in roadster, Drop head coupe and fixed head coupe!!