It should come as little surprise that this replica Jaguar XK120 roadster has been hiding out in Pennsylvania. In fact, it hasn’t traveled far from where it was first assembled by a small, 10-man operation in the mountains of Ligonier, PA. The company behind its creation, Vintage Auto Works, had big plans to roll out an affordable alternative to a real-deal vintage Jaguar, and while it seems like those dreams were deferred, these Buick-powered replicas still pop up every now and again. Find this XK120 clone here on eBay with bids to $3,800 and the reserve unmet.
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I managed to find an article from the Orlando Sentinel which actually published an article in 1989 about this fledgling upstart of a car builder from Pennsylvania. When you consider how much of your local news is now just recycled content from a conglomerate of media sources, it’s incredible to think of a reporter in Central Florida covering an obscure replica car builder from up north. The XK120 was one of two models they produced, as the company apparently also offered a SS100 replica as well. The seller’s car looks quite tidy following a thorough cleaning after its removal from the barn.
The company did a fair job of capturing the essence of the XK120 design, using a custom tubular ladder frame underneath and simple mechanical and electric systems. The suspension utilized rear leaf springs, and snap-in windows were used over fixed wind up-style windows. The engines featured carburetors and points-style ignition systems, and were typically sourced from a GM model of some variety. This Jaguar replica features a 231 Buick V6 with a four-barrel carburetor and stainless exhaust system.
The dashboard features a burled elm veneer, with white gauges to provide vital information like oil pressure and engine temperature. The seller notes he has “…gone through everything” and that the Jaguar replica is now road-worthy. While it has some dull paint and chrome in places, I doubt it’s been overly-detailed, so perhaps the wheels, bumpers, and paint will look better after a thorough cleaning. This XK120 clone comes equipped with the optional automatic transmission, making it an ideal summertime cruiser for anyone who desires a vintage British roadster without the costly purchase price or upkeep requirements.
If the reserve isn’t outlandish? This would be an interesting car to drive while you attended to it’s cosmetics. It looks a lot better than some of those Fierorarris that pop up on here.
If this used the “even fire”(post 1977) V-6 it might’ve felt a little closer to the original, especially in light of the V weighing close to 200#’s lighter though with less HP depending on the engine configuration.
Always enjoy seeing the lines of the older Jags, and this might have put it in line with the limited funds enthusiast-but go with a Tremec 6 speed!
If there is room for the 231, there is room for the 3.8 supercharged! Pluse use Kurt’s Tremec 6 speed!
Maybe the frame can’t handle the HP from a supercharged engine?
This should present very well with a weekend of detailing. Too bad tge company shut down, these would sell well on the left coast.
If there is room for the 231, there is room for the 3.8 supercharged! Plus use Kurt’s Tremec 6 speed!
I have one of these that I am converting to an EV. It is a hodgepodge of parts. Most of them from Mustang IIs with GM engines and transmissions. While the cars present well, there are lots of “rough edges” hidden under the dash and under the fiberglass. Carriage bolts are used for securing most of the body parts. These are great for the first time they are used, but tend to “round out” the holes in the material if you need to remove them. Then you are faced with a domed head that just turns as you attempt to loosen the nut. Most of the Mustang II wiring harness, though not needed, is stuffed up under the dash, with wiring extended as needed with no attention to color codes and just twisted together splices wrapped with tape. If you are considering this car, I highly recommend that you go see it. My experience may be an exception and this one may be better sorted.
You probably already have a solution to the rounded out wood on your carriage bolts, but there is a really quick, easy solution — fill with cotton, shape it by inserting the carriage bolt fully then take it out and drench the cotton with superglue. It converts the cotton to rock hard in almost no time at all. Great on drywall anchor holes, as well. Lots of applications to this idea are on YouTube