The fixed-head coupe design of the Jaguar XK120 is perhaps one of the most striking models ever conceived by any company. Now, Jaguar certainly had a reputation for building beautiful automobiles, but the XK-series of coupes is in a league of its own when it comes to timeless designs. This particular car looks like a very worthwhile project without any glaring corrosion issues. The seller notes it left the factory in fairly rare color known as Twilight Blue, which I’m sure this coupe will be eventually repainted to. Find the XK120 here on craigslist with an asking price of $33,500.
As one of Jaguar’s predominant sports car models, coming into production after the SS100 ended its tenure as the company’s headlining model, the XK-series of coupes and convertibles has long been a sought-after specimen. Incorporating the new XK-series inline-six engine, the model was an immediate hit with the motoring public. In addition to its good looks, the XK was also a high-performance automobile, able to chase down top speeds well into the triple digit range. Overall, it seemed like there was nothing the car couldn’t do well, and today, it remains coveted by collectors in both restored and preserved form.
Sadly, many of these cars appear as projects today with all manners of poor attempts at repairs. British wiring is certainly a joke in the enthusiast car community, but it’s no laughing matter when it’s your checkbook that’s responsible for fixing electrical gremlins. The seller’s car, in addition to appearing to be largely rust-free, is also quite honest, with no glaring signs of being subject to a half-finished restoration. The interior is complete as well, with an original steering wheel, seats, and wood dash still presenting well despite this XK120 being a restoration project. The seller notes the original interior color was blue, which must have stunning when paired with the Twilight Blue exterior.
The XK120 was named as such for its top speed, as it was capable of reaching 120 miles per hour. The seller notes he is only selling this Jaguar due to a back issue that prevents him from getting under cars to work on them, which makes a restoration project like this a non-starter for the foreseeable future. He notes that he did have a Heritage certificate for the XK, but he has lost it and since re-applied for a new one. The highly original condition and desirable color scheme – along with what seems like a fair asking price – make this XK120 a compelling purchase. Thanks to Barn Finds reader T.J. for the find.
There was once a bumper sticker that showed a dashboard switch with three positions and read:
The Lucas switch:
Dim, Flicker, Off.
Now, now. All Lucas electrics need are
disconnecting each connector, clean both ends with emery cloth.
Reassemble
The lights will now work wonderfully
Until the next rain, or next month…….
The only problems I’ve had with Lucas were caused by a previous owner who wired in a stereo or a few extra fuses…
Lucas also given credit for inventing the intermittent wiper
I have one of these except it is white. It was not made by Jaguar of England.
It was instead made by Dinky Toys of England.
fewer repairs no doubt.
While I have never driven a 120, I’m told by a very reputable Jag dealer, the 120s are kind of uncomfortable to drive. God knows they are absolutely gorgeous to look at. I’m surprised this isn’t sold yet. I’m also glad it’s as far away as it is so I don’t get tempted. Nice find!
My uncle had one for a while; my father said it felt like you were sitting on top of it rather than in it.
The rust inside the engine compartment is very troubling to me. While $33.5K woule be reasonable for a mechanically sound coupe with a solid body, I have serious doubts on this one. Coupes, while elegant, do not fetch open two seater prices. But restoration costs are quite similar. Therefore, this one might only be worth low $20’s if the engine and tranny need work. Hope I’m mistaken.
The number one prettiest coupe ever made. With number two being the C-3 Corvette. Story of my life. Have to be happy with just a good number two.
If you are looking for an XK120 FHC project, this one is the ticket, look straight and complete, and there not any out there for sale like this.
I had the opportunity to sit in an XK 140. Or attempt to sit in it. It was a convertible, and I couldn’t get in, and I couldn’t fit between the seat and the steering wheel. I’ll admit that I’ve got an admirable gut, but this was absurd…
I have owned a 1960 MGA since 1973, time for a second restoration after letting it sit for 20 years, I got it running yesterday by cleaning the points and using a motorcycle gas tank, the issue was getting in and out! I need to investigate a removeable steering wheel!
I have a 120 FHC which I restored myself with very little help, except from the jag-lovers internet forum, and have since put 11,000 miles on it. It is very reliable.
This one looks very restorable, better that what I started with, and the proper information about them and parts are all available.
Twilight Blue was a darker shade of blue, more like twilight than midday.
@Johnfrom SC. I totally agree on the engine compartment. It was not stored in a dry environment and the cam covers with their typical British ‘fade’ (if not maintained) indicate a long sitting period. Of course they can be polished up, but I would be leery of engine condition. These are beautiful cars but way out of my ballpark even if I chose to do the work myself. This is for someone looking for a coupe and has the substantial checkbook with no limits to see it to its conclusion.
I had the opportunity to look at this car yesterday. Car has very good “bones” – A & B pillars are solid as are sills. Underneath of car is also solid with no evidence of rot or damage with original wrapping on leaf springs. Interior is complete and appears to be original. Engine / drive line appears in order with oil in engine (old) but not black. Carburetor are oiled and free as well. Did not try to hand turn motor but would consider trying a “refresh” before committing to a rebuild. As for paint – great patina – very straight panels / metal, everyone has a perfect one, refresh interior and drive as is. Great unmolested and complete car. Now just need to convince my wife.
Wallace, if you don’t know XKs well, my advice is to contact the local JCNA club chapter and offer to hire one of their members with XK120 expertise to come out and offer his/her opinion. Most folks will do it for $200 or less. As part of your inspection, minimally do a compression test and insure clutch grabs and releases ( rollit in 1st gear). Spark plugs are easily accesible. 12 volt car, just remember positive ground. Jag guy will know all of this.
Will be cheapest money you ever spent. This is true for anyone buying a vintage car whi isn’t highly knowledgeable in that particular model.
I think I have been to this site several years ago to see another car. Nice enough fellow; however, he didn’t invite me in to see his shop.
I agree with the rust in engine compartment comment….can you imagine how may bolts might shear off while trying to remove the cam covers, head or manifold, yikes !!!
I went and looked at car yesterday – great bones! Car appears unmolested and complete. Any rust is superficial/ surface with very little if any metal repair required. A and B pillars are good as are sills and underneath. Engine has oil and not to dirty – parked for a long time but definitely indoors. Interior and headliner original. Not many surprises with this car. Didn’t try to hand turn engine but everything appears in order and I would try to get it running, prior to making decisions to rebuild. Cosmetically, refresh the interior and keep the patina – car is straight and sound and looks great as is. Now just need to convince my wife.
I know we’re supposed to love the 120, but it’s always been the 150 for me. The shape of the FHC is just so much cleaner.
I owned a restored 1954 120 Roadster at the same time a 1960 restored MGA roadster. There is no sound like a Jag of that era, but the interior is pretty tight, but the Jag didn’t drive nearly as easily as the MG.
Whenever I parked the Jag, there were always admirers, but the MG drove much better .
Right….but it’s a Jaaaaaaaag.
The XK-120 is a tight fit for anyone over 5′-8″: too little room between steering wheel and seatback. The XK-140 cured that problem. If you’re looking for a project, this may be a good one if it’s solid underneath. Price is high, so show up with $20K in cash in a briefcase. No wire transfers, no checks, and the seller’s tax return will never show it.
You can tell this is a ’51 or early ’52 by the small screws that have been added to the front of the cam covers. The early XK engines up to mid ’52 did not have the 3 acorn nuts there as on later engines, and often leaked oil at the peak, thrown up by the timing chain when running at high speed. Adding the small screws was a common fix in the days before Permatex sealant.
The rust inside the engine compartment is easily explained. Up to mid 1952 they did not use any primer inside there, they just painted it black with a brush. So it wasn’t a very good paint job in there and often flaked off, revealing bare steel which of course picks up moisture from the air and rusts. It looks to me like just surface rust, which should easily clean up.
I see it does not have the beading in the rear fender joints, probably Bondoed over when it was repainted.
Grille not correct of course, and rear license plate light is missing, but both are readily available.
I am 6′ 0″ and have no difficulty driving my XK120.
The steering wheel is large diameter because there is no power assisted steering.
The horn button on this one is the later XK140 flat type. The correct horn button for this XK120 would be the dome type.