Highlights
- Jaguar Heritage certificate confirms this is a matching numbers car
- Wears the important registration NBU120, very close to NUB120, arguably the most famous XK120 of them all
- Older restoration but carefully maintained so that it still presents in excellent condition
- Around £30,000 invested in recent work and upgrades
- In the gorgeous colour scheme of Old English White with dark red wheels and interior
The Appeal
When it was introduced at the 1948 Motor Show, Jaguar saw the XK120 simply as promotion for its new XK engine, which was destined for the Mk VII saloon. It caused a sensation and demand was such that Jaguar put it into production, first with alloy bodies and later with steel. The later cars retained alloy doors, boot and bonnet. At the time it was the fastest production car in the world.
This car was sold new in California and then moved to New Zealand in the 1990s where it was restored, converted to right hand drive and the colour scheme changed. Previously owned by Roger Williams of Suffolk Sportscars, and improved by the firm, it has subsequently received further upgrades to the electrical and cooling systems and front disc brakes.
With excellent provenance and a beautiful colour and specification complementing the deep appeal of the superlative XK120 Roadster, this carefully curated, tastefully improved car is surely a rare opportunity any collector will not want to miss.
The History and Paperwork
- Jaguar Heritage certificate confirming matching numbers
- V5 in current owners name
- Import and registration papers
- VIN records confirm that this is a 1952 OTS Roadster
- Unfortunately the New Zealand history has been lost during the car’s inter-continental travels
By the time production moved on to the XK140in 1954 three body styles were offered for the 120. The coupe, drop head coupe and the roadster, as first seen in 1948. The roadster, also known overseas as the Open Top Sports, offers some of the most beautiful lines of any car. It eschewed the veneers and side windows of the coupe and drop head coupe to provide an exhilarating wind in the hair experience.
The XK’s place in history was cemented by Ian Appleyard, William Lyons’ son in law, who took an early car rallying. Registered NUB120 it recorded victories in the Alpine Rally and the RAC. The car is still at the heart of the Jaguar Heritage collection.
This XK went to California when new and then in the 1990s was taken to New Zealand where it was restored, converted to right hand drive and the colour scheme was changed inside and out. It was purchased by Roger Williams of Suffolk Sportscars in 2016 and his firm proceeded with a programme of improvements. Roger had intended it to be his personal car but ill health meant that the car came to the market. A great deal more work was carried out before purchase by the current owner in 2018. Moderned and upgraded electrical and cooling systems as well as front disc brakes make it safe and dependable in modern conditions. The present owner searched out the NBU120 registration and transferred it.
The Interior
- Retrimmed during its time in New Zealand
- The interior is in excellent condition, with a lovely patina of age and character
- Unmarked carpets, door cards, dashtop roll and dashboard in excellent, virtually unused condition
- Mota Lita steering wheel looks good and makes access and egress easier, the original wheel is with the car
- Very good switch gear and all period correct for this model
The car was retrimmed during its time in New Zealand and is in excellent condition, with a very attractive 25 year patina and minimal wear that adds to its character. The carpets are unmarked and in near new condition. The door cards and dash are also as new. The leather around the top of the cockpit is excellent.
An attractive Mota Lita steering wheel has ben fitted to make getting behind the wheel easier. The original wheel is with the car. The owner has also fitted a gold Eight Ball gear knob, which can be easily removed if required.
The seller states that the clock has recently given up but that all of the other gauges work correctly. A new fuel tank sender ensures that the fuel gauge reads accurately. The switches and tell tales for the fan and spot lights are model correct.
We understand that the original heater and fan are very effective and keep your lower half warm, whatever the weather.
The boot is trimmed to original specification and a good size fire extinguisher is also fitted. The spare tyre is, we are told, unused.
The Exterior
- Bodywork was subject to a full bare metal restoration, we understand during its time in New Zealand
- 72 spoke ‘C’ Type wheels recently fitted in Tudor Red and fitted with vintage Blockley tyres
- Bonnet strap and spotlights fitted by the current owner to replicate the aesthetics of ‘NUB120’
- Quality tonneau cover included
- Roof and windows present and factory correct but unused by the seller
We understand that this beautiful XK120 was subject to a full bare metal restoration during its time in New Zealand. Although the car’s history for that period has unfortunately been lost, the quality of that work is immediately evident in the paintwork and the straight, even panel gaps around the vehicle. The car left the factory painted Pastel Blue but was changed to the popular Jaguar colour of Old English White during the restoration. There are a couple of small paint defects, typical of an older restoration, but it has held up remarkably well thanks to clearly careful owners.
The seller states that there is no evidence of accident damage from any point in the car’s history.
The Tudor Red 72 spoke ‘C’ Type wheels nicely contrast with the evocative Old English White paintwork and are shod with quality Blockley tyres in excellent condition. These were fitted by Suffolk Sportscars and are wider than standard, filling the arches nicely.
The chrome work is complete and in excellent condition, likely replaced during the restoration or subsequently. We understand that Suffolk Sportscars reinstated the correct UK headlights and there are discrete reflectors at the rear.
To go with the registration the seller fitted a bonnet strap and spotlights in the configuration that NUB120 wore in 1952 when this car was built. It also has GB letters in the same position as NUB120. The number plates are high quality ‘Peak Plates’.
The car is supplied with a quality tonneau cover and of course the roof and windows, which the seller has never used.
The Mechanics
- Matching numbers car as confirmed by Jaguar Heritage certificate
- Suffolk Sportcars fitted new rear springs, shock absorbers, steering joints and complete new, stainless steel exhaust
- Coopercraft front disc brakes and new cylinders and linings at rear
- Ignition system replaced with a Petronix electronic distributor and converted to negative earth and the dynamo changed for a dynamator
- Aluminium radiator with large electric nine blade fan
- Excellent electrics and the seller states everything works
The seller states that all mechanicals are in fine condition. Suffolk Sportscars fitted new rear springs, new shock absorbers all round, new steering joints and a complete stainless steel exhaust system. To improve the car’s stopping power Coopercraft front disc brakes have been fitted and new cylinders and linings added at the back. Recent steering alignment is said to ensure that the car steers and rides as it should.
We are told that the engine is in excellent shape and while there is no information regarding whether it has been rebuilt, it is apparently running well. Like all early XK engines, there are no valve stem oil seals, which means that sometimes after the car has been standing for some time it will produce smoke for a minute. It makes the power as expected and once warm we are told that it idles smoothly. These were quick cars on their day, capable of high speeds, and this one will still cruise comfortably at very high speeds.
The car is correctly fitted with the durable Moss box, mastery of which is part of the car’s many rewards for diligent drivers. We are told that there are no signs of wear in the box.
The ignition system has been replaced for a Petronix electronic distributor that improves reliability. The car has been converted to negative earth and the dynamo replaced with a dynamator, all of which changes improve its usability.
An aluminium radiator is fitted with a large nine blade electric fan. The seller states that the electric are in good order and that everything works with no bypass wires on the vehicle. The wiring for the extra lights and fan have been discreetly added.
Summary
The XK120 is surely one of the most beautiful cars of the post-war or indeed any era, its svelte, evocative lines beloved by race drivers at Le Mans and celebrities cruising through Bel Air.
For anyone seeking a XK120 roadster this beautiful 1952 roadster seems to hold all the cards. An older, high quality restoration, it comes with the provenance of Suffolk Sportscars and a vast array of improvements, both mechanical and aesthetic, that enhance its usability and appeal, making it both dependable and attractive. It is highly evocative and surely an opportunity not to be missed.
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