While you may love a particular car and are willing to spend untold amounts of time and money on making it perfect, the sad truth is that the darkness is creeping up on you even as you read this. One day you will be gone, and your heirs will be left to inherit your project car. Do you think they want it? That seems to be the case with this 1952 Jaguar XK120 for sale on Facebook Marketplace in Jackson, Mississippi. Once the seller’s father-in-law’s pride and joy, this bright red milestone sports car has sadly sat silent since 2015. Finally, the family has decided to pass this beautiful car to its next owner. Could that be you? Do you have an extra $47,000 to spend on the perfect investment-grade project car? Thanks to Jim A. for the fantastic tip!
I recently read of an incident at a family gathering. The matriarch of this family announced that, upon her passing, the disposition of her four prized china sets to an equal number of younger relatives whom she deemed worthy of such a gift. Much to her horror, they all declared that they held no special attachment to these sets because she never pulled them out for use. Furthermore, if bequeathed them, they would promptly dump them in the trash. Horrified, the matriarch could not grasp why she was hit with such a disrespectful and altogether rude response to what she thought would be the passing on of a valued family heirloom and the honor of having been chosen as caretaker to these items.
While I felt for the matriarch and how deeply the family members surely hurt her, I couldn’t get past the idea of this scenario unfolding in my life. Being on the back side of my life only adds fuel to the nightmares. Over the years I have accumulated several items that bring me much joy, but the rest of my family is lukewarm at best about these possessions. If you are honest with yourself, this is probably the scenario in your life as well. The car you see here is a case study of this dilemma. While it took some time, the seller’s family has come to grips with getting rid of the father-in-law’s 1952 Jaguar XK120. We are told in the ad that the gentleman spent many weekends “tinkering with and driving this car.” Since he has passed, the car has sat unused. It was thankfully garage-kept during that time. While it ran when parked, it has not been started since 2015.
The seller feels that a weekend of preparatory work will get the car back on the road despite a long time in storage. We are assured that the soft top and rear fender skirts are included in the sale as well. No mention is made of any other parts. Any potential buyers would be wise to ask about any spare parts that might still be available from the seller. We are told in the ad that the car is currently residing at a location other than the seller’s home. The pictures also reveal a space where the restoration may have taken place, so looking around for parts wouldn’t hurt. Jaguar XK120 bits and pieces aren’t exactly plentiful at your local NAPA.
While the Jaguar XK120 market has quite a range of sale prices, this one seems to be in the ballpark at $47,000. Hopefully, there is some evidence of this car being judged at some point that could help justify the price and authenticity. It is a beautiful car and would likely make someone quite happy, regardless of how perfect the previous owner’s restoration is. It just seems sad that such a fine automobile is leaving its family. I guess change is painful but inevitable at times.
What do you think will happen to your prized possessions when you pass? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Very nice write up. The car is actually in Jackson Michigan
Please take care of it, Mr. New Owner.
Nice write up Jeff.
I have thought about this. We had estate sales to liquidate items that no family members were interested in keeping. It may not be the easiest or most pleasant thing to do. Since most of us don’t know when or how we will die, my conclusion is keep what you want as long as it is giving you satisfaction (art, cars, and items that are important to you). It may cost your heirs time (and maybe travel) but it generally won’t cost them money and will usually get them extra cash. It is and should be the heirs responsibility to take care of their parents/relatives possessions in my opinion
Well, a rather grim way to start the day, many of us deal with that on a daily basis, if we’re lucky. Pushing 70, I’m still trying to make some sort of peace with that. Talked to a lot of people, my conclusion? Inconclusive. They’re all full of it.
Most know my feelings on these types of sales. I’ve come to realize, the interests of the generations are just too far apart, and quite frankly, I didn’t care for much my old man liked either. The seller is clearly emotional, or better yet, doing it for spousy, and the good news is, someone will get an honest car with a human history. The down side, is the seller is applying modern day values on something that doesn’t fit our society today, and buyers will be few and decreasing daily. Don’t get me wrong, the XK120 was without question, the coolest roadster, and obviously, the old man knew that. The kids? Meh, let’s just hope the sale covers the hole he dug in care before he died.
I was born in 1950 and love classic sports cars from the 1960’s and early 70’s. But, my 33-year old son has no interest in go-karts or sports cars, so I am unwilling to hold on to vehicles in the hopes he will appreciate them remember me whenever he sees it. We have begun down-sizing things that will not mean much to them including my parents’ diplomas etc. What means something to me often has little meaning to him. The woodworking projects that I have made by hand as he watched me make in his early days are the things I will hold onto…but, they will mean far less to his children.
That Jaguar is a very handsome car but deserves a home that will appreciate it or being DONATED TO AN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM.
Got to agree. I have an heir picked out for my Mustang. But at only three years younger, he may not outlast me. Good China? Kids don’t care about that stuff anymore and I have to admit I only used mine once, although the wine glasses get brought out now and again. Nice Jag though, although not one of my favorites.
Its a sad situation. Every person is born dieing. Im not as old as some of you folks here. But as Im getting deeper into my 50s Its hitting home more and more each day. Im getting older. I feel it every morning when I get up at 4 am to go to work. It has to be hard to be older and have a project, or a beloved car. You probably hope that youll feel better one day and finish your restoration. But then time runs out, or your health just doesnt hold up. You come to a fork in the road. Try to sell it while your alive and see your pride and joy go to someone who will actually appreciate it and enjoy it, or hope you can finish it and enjoy while you can. None of us can truly know how long our bodies will hold up.
I hope this Jag goes to a good home and gets the respect it deserves.
You won’t get any younger by driving a “Crackerbox Jimmy”, and it’s been said, “life is like a roll of toilet paper, the closer to the end, the faster it goes”. It’s actually a moot point, what happens to our treasures after we die, who cares? We had the fun, and that we can take to our graves.
I’m 77 and just in the finishing stages of of a year long refurbishment of an XK140 which I plan to sell and look for another project.
And that was the attitude of one Bill Harrah. As very many here already know he enjoyed his lifelong hobby of collecting unusual/desirable/interesting machinery with an incredible staff of craftsmen and researchers; leaving no mention of its future in any legal documents was bewildering to all but it tells of the reason why.
Yes it was possibly a tax write off but more than that, like your attitude Gippy it is just something to be enjoyed.
The fact we don’t always have someone that appreciates our Zen outlet or material focus as we do isn’t unusual but it shouldn’t be a surprise either.
The too often selfish materialism seen when settling an estate is the time most disheartening but a fact of life.
Enjoy what you enjoy. The best legacy is the good morals, values and principles we pass on to others.
Thank you, Jeff.
Kudos to you! I’m 80 in a few months and plan to buy and build a boat kit again soon. Get tired of hearing all the “I’m getting too old” nonsense. If I had the skills I’d refurbish one of the many old cars I love. Yes, some folks have serious health issues which preclude them from doing things, but if you don’t, don’t fall for the “too old” hype. We may be slower but we can get it done.
I’d love to have this xk120….absolutely beautiful vehicle!
Yes Mike, a person needs a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
I used to joke that on the way home from the funeral my wife could call either the auctioneer or the scrap dealer–‘at least the stuff gave Dad pleasure while he was here…’
My wife started joking with her friends ‘if he predeceases me I’ll put a notice in the paper “Funeral at noon, auction begins at one.” Now she says I have so much it will have to be ” Funeral at 8 am, auction begins at 9.”
I’m actually blessed to have a son who does some things with me. Yes, there are fewer numbers behind us baby boomers. Some of their tastes and techniques are different but they’re still doing plenty of cool things. On a more serious note, we’ve begun keeping good records on the financial side of what we do. I don’t want one son to have to buy his share of things back from his brothers when settling the estate.
Horay for you. Hang in there!
I like the Swedish custom of getting rid of everything well in advance of passing. Anybody want to buy a 1974 VW?
idc
Wow!! Who knew I could come to Barn Finds for my morning therapy on aging and getting rid of things I am collecting!! I am in my 70’s now, and my wife and I have just been discussing these issues. I have a number of cars yet to restore. For me, I enjoy the PROCESS and the work, and don’t necessarily have to hang on to the finished projects when done… If I go before I am done, then that’s ok, too. Cars are Art and History and Memories… but these comments above help me remember that they are close to MY heart, and maybe not so much for my kids. That’s ok. Do what you enjoy. Just don’t feel bad if the next generation would rather drift a Miata or race EV’s rather than restore an old sports car with a manual transmission and wire spoked wheels. Time marches on! Cheers!
If my son passes before me I get his rap music collection… 😲
Don’t even mention beautiful vintage silver Or “ brown” furniture. We have a wonder 1810 escritoire from grand ma, bought in the 20s , not interested. Great grandmas silver and china. Nope
I had a Crown Vic P71 I poured a lot of love and money into. My oldest son had and has a great appreciation for it so I gave it to him now while I’m still alive. It gives me great satisfaction knowing he drives and enjoys it on a daily basis. I currently have a Dodge Charger. I love the car but it isn’t my children’s cup of tea. I only hope that if it outlives me that it will go to a good home where it will be loved and appreciated. I already know and understand that my remaining things will be tossed or donated. Unfortunately I had to go through that process with my mother 14 years ago. Some things were kept. The expression goes that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. The opposite can be true as well. One man’s treasure is another man’s trash. Sorry to be a downer but I am very much a realist. Good Sunday to all.
Many classic cars are now joining the ranks of “Generational” china and “Brown” furniture. These things tend to skip a generation so that younger grandchildren are the likely new custodians of our prized possessions.
Great write up and nice car.
From what I’ve seen most of the classic cars that are losing interest are from the 1950’s and earlier, that don’t have the drivability and comfort/convenience of newer cars or newer makes and models that didn’t have much of a following to begin with. There will always be interest cars that were popular in culture. What will fall by the wayside are those cars that only exist because someone didn’t drive it much and survived in good enough condition that it doesn’t need a lot of work, not because of their own merit.
As for the youth, there is a good percentage that are still into cars, their tastes vary more than past generations, but it’s still there.
Someone earlier commented on racing EV’s, the local track, about 30 miles north of San Francisco, tried an EV only class the last couple of years on their Wednesday night drags, the most cars they ever got was 4, so they dropped it for the upcoming season. Another class the started was a stick shift only class, which is now the second most popular. There are plenty of people in their 20’s and younger racing, mostly newer cars, but that’s what they can afford. Even the high school class, which was started in the 1980’s has seen a significant uptick in participation recently.
Steve R
Of my 25 year old daughters friend about 30% do not have their licenses yet. Now that is a change
Having been into Street Rods since the 1980’s, I realized this about 15 years ago while attending a regional NSRA event. Nearly all the participants were in their late 60’s to 70’s. Mobility scooter rentals were popular. My wife commented that there were probably going to be many street rods for sale in the next 5-10 years as these guys passed. We’re seeing that now as the kids don’t want Dads “old hot rod”. Sad reality.
Like a lot of the commenters, I’m in the middle of a project car I’ve been doodling with for six years. I’m in my early 60’s and always think about the “what-if’s.” I do enjoy the projects I’ve made in the past, and sold them all, but with travel, grandkids, and other hobbies I’d like to pursue before I hit the end of the road, I’m finding it much more difficult to find the motivation to work on this. I’m way too deep in it now, so I have to finish it. But when I’m done do I sell it or pass it on? Like 914shifter said, just do what you like until you’re gone. Then your heirs can do whatever they want with your stuff. You’re dead, and it’s just stuff.
Great write up. I am also in my seventies. Don’t believe in numbers. Don’t normally feel my age. Still working on two projects…a 1990 Porsche S2 Cabriolet and a ’74 Porsche 914. I have always loved sports cars and rag tops. Not ready to give them up. Don’t know when that time will come, but I will fight it tooth and nails. I may be the last man standing when it comes to buying an electric vehicle. I hope the next generation will appreciate the cars I love as well.
Thats why you have kids and grand kids boys or girls who can continue the line like my dad did with his cars, passed them on to me and i did the same. The exercise kept him young and energetic till his last days. The only down side was his failing eye sight but he could still work on something with his eyes closed and he passed on all this knowledge to me so that i can do the same. Even after he went totally blind i use to still call him and tap on his vast knowledge and he sure did have solutions for me for problems that eluded me for days or months. One time i was struggling with a 67 MGB the starter was spinning very slowly and not fast enough for the car to start. tried everything including a stater rebuild and still it was doing the same. There were a few times i could see the choke cable getting hot and a little smoke coming out of the cable area where it was running through thefirewall. As a last resort i called my dad and gave him some of the symptoms i had been dealing with and he gave me the solution right away and i was amazed since by then he was not only old but totally blind. He asked me me if I checked the grounding strap that was attached to the engine. That is one of the things i had overlooked and at 3 in the morning after talking to the old man ( over seas call ) i went to my garage and attached a temporary grounding strap to the engine and what do you know, The engine spun like it was supposed to and the first turn of the starter the engine fired up and ran like it should. My wife heard the loud exhaust noise and came running to the attached garage wondering what i was doing at 3 AM starting my MG. Long story short i still think of my old man every time i work on my old collector cars. I used to clean wash and polish my MG TD Mark 2 on a saturday morning expecting to go and meet my friends and enjoy some fun times when the old man comes out with a shopping basket and asks me, captain is everything ready and gets into the MG and drives away. I am am looking on with my mouth wide open since my plans for the day are on hold for how long when ? I get on my bicycle and ride in to town and here is my old man at the pub sipping a beer and shooting the breeze with his buddies and my MG sitting outside in the sunshine gleaming since i just polished it. i ride on back home with a smile on my face thinking he deserves it since he has worked hard for 5 days and this is his way of unwinding from all the stresses from his job. The shopping basket was his excuse for going to town. I will never forget the good old days and they will never come back again. so guys enjoy the time you left have and dont count the days till you meet the maker. Dad i just want to say i love you where ever you are and I will be joining you pretty soon so that we can go for a ride in a MG in the sky and i know you will have in top shape when i get there. ..
Great story Tilak!
I recently read that the greatest threat to old car prices and use is the fact that less and less people know how to repair them! Some don’t know what a carburettor is, can’t use a timing light, points? adjust tappets (even spell checker hasn’t heard of them!). If the onboard computer doesn’t tell them what to do, then what?
Perhaps here is an opportunity for a whole new industry, a trade that knows how to FIX cars (and boats and planes) rather than throw them away.
My pastor sermonized that he had never seen a hearse pulling a U-HAUL trailer. Yikes! I told him to just wait, the plot thickens. Got excommunicated.
Sitting indoors when I should be shoveling dirt outdoors, at 82, house full of “brown antiques”, none of 3 kids want more than one piece, none of kids want house, none of kids want Allante, resort area so they will probably sell the house “furnished” and the buyers will take stuff to the dump. Almost time to sell the Allante, will make a very modest profit on it, but the money would have been better in the stock market, but, I have had a good time driving it for ten years. Grandkids will not be setting up housekeeping in time, daughter and husband and one son and wife want a few things “when they buy a house”, not happening in my remaining lifetime – cardiologist does not give me 8 years – but my end is likely to be sudden, not a long lingering and expensive nursing home stay. So, any lesson, it is to pass on stuff while alive, like the Swedes, sell the hard to sell things like the Allante, and even the local libraries no longer want most books, people are reading on line. Had an XK 150S, wonderful car for its day, three weeks waiting for a part, one week of driving, had a Chevy to get to work on time, this, as beautiful as it is, and as wonderful to drive, would just be a toy, as was my XK 150S, and it was only 6 years old at the time, not 76.
Charlie, what opportunity cost does the stock market put on “a good time drive for ten years”?
Do you think those ten years have lengthened or shortened your lifespan?
When I was young (20’s) I had a friend who had a Jag XK something. I really loved to go cruising with him. Now I’m 89 and am building from scratch an A-V/8 hot rod. It’s a ’28 Model A coupe with a Ford flathead. Just like they built them in the 50’s. No hood, no fenders, no running boards. I’m halfway there and loving it. Keeps me off the couch.
@RicOShay: 89!!!! That’s inspiring to be still wrenching!! Maybe I’ll get more done than I was thinking if I can match your stamina!! Way to go!!
@RicOShay: 89!!!! That’s inspiring to be still wrenching!! Maybe I’ll get more done than I was thinking if I can match your stamina!! Way to go!!
65, have a C3 Corvette and a 1947 street rod, enjoy them both. Still building sheds on the home place, but getting rid of things that will never sell. Only have one grandson who’s 11 but has the mentality of a 6-7 year old and may never get much better. Have a couple of nephews, but they have lives of their own, one will probably always be single, the other has a son, I might just leave my stuff to him. I still enjoy building, fabrication and problem solving, but who knows how much longer. But we’re already starting to go through the process, my wife has had to take control of her Dad’s affairs and properties, and we have been selling them as we get them ready. I am maintaining his place as well as ours, so my hobby time is about the same or less than when I was working full time. If the heirs have no use for items, I would sell them, too. My 50 year tool collection ought to bring someone some good money when I can no longer grip a wrench. Our ancestors collected what they liked, we might as well also. I wouldn’t hesitate to trade this beautiful Jag for a 60’s muscle car!
Friends, about thirty years ago, I inherited my father’s car. With the other old cars I had, it fit right in. I never worried much about dying because I knew my wife would sell everything I had per my instructions. The problem was she and my father had a special bond. I worried she’d try to hold on to it for him and me, so I solved the problem. Even though it hurt, I sold it. Last I heard, a collector in Sweden owned it. I’ve never looked back. Problem solved.
Don’t forget the old axiom – what is old becomes new again with time.
I wonder where future generations of automobile restorer’s will find the period correct LCD screens, printed circuit boards and batteries for today’s EVs.
Sorry about my duplicate entry above… sent from my iPhone, desk computer catches those. iPhone must route differently?
Sorry about my duplicate entry above… sent from my iPhone, desk computer catches those. iPhone must route differently?
It’s ok
It’s ok
Computer gaming was a passion of mine 20 years ago. It can get competitive so building something faster is always available. I spent a bit and some items were gratis because the pc’s were very fast class winners.
Sound familiar? Hobbies reflect our passion and explanations aren’t necessary. 😊
Thank you for all the comments. How appropriate. I am 78 with thirteen classics which don’t accumulate many miles each year. Just love having them and showing to interested parties. So, I’ve decided, I’m NOT going !!!!!!
Great idea Jim and Margo!
Why didn’t I think of that?
Just one suggestion:
Don’t buy a hearse to restore…
It could kill you!
It’s not that hard to have a conversation with folks you are considering leaving something to. The fact of the matter is that after you are dead you are not going to care.
Well, that 1st line set off a flurry of activity, clearly on everyone’s minds as we age. I regret selling many of my interests, but rarely can retirement provide what regular life did, especially for poor planners like me, I never thought I’d live this long. Far as still wrenching on projects into old age, good for you, really. A neighbor, in his 70s, climbed 14,000 foot peaks, BY HIMSELF. I said, aren’t you worried? He said, no, at least I’ll die doing what I love. Can’t argue with that.
Great phrase Garry.
Don’t buy a hearse to restore…
It could kill you!
Remember Harold and Maude. He did!
At 88 years of age working 50 to 60 hours a week at two jobs, to gain enough money to fully restore a 1930 Model A rumble-seat coupe I’ve had since 1952. Self employed all my life, on straight commission, saved nothing but sure enjoyed myself! Now working for hourly pay and am so grateful that’s not how I spent my major working years, lack of a pension notwithstanding!
Thank God for every day which is a gift and wondering who will get my Buick GN or my BMW 635CSI (that’s in my will) which might be changing soon, but until that day God calls me home, I’m going to live day by day and see what he has for me even though I still want another ’64 Impala SS before going home.
LOL! @MLM, Yes, I know what you mean. I promised my wife I would not buy any more cars, and yet, here I am going to Salem tomorrow because a friend found me a “really good deal” on an 86 Porsche 944 Turbo that needs work. What’s a guy to do?? I guess they can bury me in the back of a Pick-A-Part lot, as I will feel very comfortable there.
My husband is an old Saab man. He has a ’62 96 snub nose 3 cylinder and a ’74 Sonnett, to be restored. He has loads of parts for both cars and about 6 3cyl. engines and 4 transmissions, plus various parts for the 96 3 or 4 cly. cars. But has not shown much interest in working on either car. I would vote for the snub nose to get worked on first, but my gut says neither will ever be worked on by Jim. I really do not think that anyone, from our families, will be interested in these cars. Which is a shame. Both have their fun sides and the sound those 3 bangers make, is unique. Turns heads. I am starting to think of ways to pass these cars onto someone who will work on them. Make sure they do not get junked. My brother in law is a British car nut. He has restored a TR3 and a mid 1950’s Austin-Mini Clubman. He enjoys them and goes to shows with them now and then. He is running into the same “problem.” Who will get his “Babies” when he is gone. Sam is pickier than I am. He wants to know that whoever gets the Triumph, knows how to shift a British, non-sync transmission. That is VERY important to Sam. I have 3 sewing machines, all work and work well. The newest is from 1980, Husqvarna. Middle is from 1955, Kenmore and the oldest is from 1929. Singer. They are well maintained, but none of my family wants them. I am going to have to find someone to take them, who will use them and take care of them. Not very many people appreciate “things” that are not brand new.
Margaret, unfortunately I think you should figure that out sooner than later. You seem to know a lot about the cars and I think you and Jim can make the big decision and feel good about what you two did with them now, rather than regret it later. My wife said if I go before my car is done, she’s burning everything! Ha! She has no idea what I’m doing and could care less. It’s my hobby, and if it looks like I won’t get it done, I’ll part it out and make a bunch of people happy. Unfortunately people like us are becoming fewer and far between, and as others have said, I think the cars we love (and sewing machines) will end up being not wanted by anyone. So do we hang onto it and let whomever do whatever they want with it, or get our things in order first? I would rather have my things in order before I go. I’d like my kids to say nice things about me at my service, not complain about the mess I left them!