Beschreibung
Jaguars XK120, at the time of manufacture, were the fastest production cars in the world, grabbing numerous world records including a top speed record of 130mph which would later be broken by a further 10mph after some modifications were made. These cars are a staple in history not only for Jaguar, but for the automotive world as a whole.
This particular example has spent almost all of its life in the USA, jumping between owners who spared absolutely no expense on keeping this well sorted XK120 alive and well. One of the American owners took it upon himself to comprehensively restore the vehicle in 1975, and to this day, you’d believe it was done just yesterday. This is a wonderful example of what a loved and cared for car truly is.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
• Up to date V5
• MOT exempt, however a new MOT has been done and valid until April 2023
• Jaguar Heritage Trust production record trace certificate
• Manufactured 22nd May 1953
• California kept until 1975
• 2nd owner kept from 1975 until 2006, Arlington Heights, Illinois. The vehicle was restored during this ownership and repainted to white from Dove Grey
• 3rd owner kept from 2006 until 2015, Germantown, Tennessee
• 4th owner kept from 2015 until 2017, Corvada, Tennessee
• Imported to the UK by the current owner in 2017
• Over £2, 000 of recommission work on file since its arrival in the UK
THE INTERIOR
• Extremely original
• Beautifully kept leather seats and soft-top cover
• Original wooden panelling all in wonderful condition
• Original gauges all in working order
• Original toolset in the luggage compartment
• Exceptionally kept carpets
Typically Jaguar - exceptionally classy and comfortable. Stepping into this outstandingly well kept XK120 is much akin to stepping into a time machine. The leather seats are extremely well kept with very little signs of usage, and the carpets are all still plush with no signs of damage. Wooden dash panelling retains the beautiful original tan colourway, and introduces a lustful tactile experience thanks to the wood grain texture which stretches across the length of the dash and doors.
Original gauge clusters sit embedded in the wooden framework and all work as they should, as do all of the abreast buttons and switches. The steering wheel is all original too, and does embrace some slight patina in terms of the paint slightly wearing on the rim where the wheel would be held when driving - this is almost unavoidable however, and it’s actually quite nice to see some wear on an otherwise pristine car.
It’s evident how much this Jag has been cared for throughout its lifetime, it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to find examples such as this. Any owner would be proud to show it off with open doors and the roof down.
THE EXTERIOR
• Full respray in white from Dove Grey, some time in the 2nd ownership
• Outstanding overall condition
• Immaculate, wirespoke optional wheels (rare)
• Functional and intact soft top in Fawn
• Only 61, 168 miles in 68 years
• Exceptionally clean and well kept undercarriage
• Ash framework in great condition
• All chrome work beautifully kept
• Body panels are all straight and true
Among the most eminent Jaguars to have ever been produced, this XK120 really stands up to the mark. Religiously stored and scarcely used throughout the years has seen this example maintain its appearance in a way that the majority of vehicles just can’t. Upon its exchange of ownership in 1975, the car underwent an extensive renovation and a professional respray, bringing the car up to near new condition. The owner held on to this vehicle until poor health forced the sale, truly cherishing the vehicle until he no longer could.
THE MECHANICS
• 3. 4L inline 6 cylinder, producing 160bhp
• 4-speed manual gearbox powering the rear wheels
• £2, 000 of recommissioning work upon UK import
• The world's fastest production vehicle at the time of manufacture
Mechanically, this example wants for nothing. The current owner has spared no expense recommissioning the vehicle when it was brought into the UK, to ensure that it would drive and operate as it should. This was a priority for the owner due to understanding how little use the car has had over the years of it sitting in the USA, being used very sparingly and oftentimes not at all. However, it’s maybe thanks to this, that the vehicle maintains its extremely high standards of its mid-70’s renovation.
Firing up at the turn of a key, the longitudinal 6 cylinder purrs to life, generating that unmistakable Jaguar 6-cylinder grumble which remains present in the more modern XJ line-up of the 90’s. Between the sound, the tactile feedback of the steering, and the luxurious surroundings of the cockpit, you’re unmistakably reminded you’re driving something special.
