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!