Highlights

Largely complete project with most fittings in place
Solid and straight car that should be a straightforward restoration
Rare opportunity to acquire a spares or project XK120
Some restoration has begun including taking back to bare metal
One of only 2,484 LHD FHCs built
Fitted with correct engine and drivetrain

The Appeal

Much is made of the unveiling of the E-Type at the Geneva ‘61 motor show, particularly the reaction of Enzo Ferrari. But there was previous. 13 years earlier Jaguar unveiled the open XK120 at the London Motor Show and, like the E-Type, it looked like nothing else. Here was a fantastic piece of design, one built around the new-fangled science of aerodynamics - a sports car for the vibrant post-war era.

The equally pretty FHC, with its sculptural roof, arrived in 1951 for those seeking a little less wind-in-the-hair experience. The vast majority went abroad for a life amongst the beautiful people of Hollywood and New York.

This 1954 XK120, amongst the last of the 2,484 LHD FHC cars built, was one of them. It is now back in the UK with a well-regarded Jaguar specialist and is ready for its next adventure. It is a largely complete project - just some brake parts and the bumpers are missing - that is mostly fitted together. The body has been taken back to bare metal and treated with red oxide primer. Beneath the bonnet is a correct Xk120 3.4L XK straight six mated to a Moss 4spd manual box. Most of the glass, chromework and gauges are in place.

The car does not have a chassis plate - it was used for another project - so could go in a few directions. If you’re working on your own XK120 project this car’s body and running gear would surely speed up the process. Or the car could form the basis of a ready supply of spares. It is good enough to deserve restoration, which the experienced vendor describes as ‘straightforward.’

Opportunities like this really do not come along often. For the right buyer, this beautiful car has a lot of potential.

The vendor writes:

This is a 1954 car that was bought as part of a deal including a restored XK120 from Bonhams Goodwood last year. As such this 'parts or restoration' project with no VIN plate or V5 papers is surplus to requirements and represents an opportunity to purchase a structurally solid and straight looking body that would be a good body start point for body restoration.

"We say that because the paint has been removed and red oxide primed such that a viewer can see exactly the very good state of the body. Doors fit nicely and the wings all appear to be in good order. The engine is the correct XK type mated to Moss gearbox. All the gauges are present as are the seats."

The History and Paperwork

First registered 1954 according to seller
Chassis plate is missing as it was used on another project
Carries body number J3473 with prefix correct for a FHC
One of 2,484 LHD FHC coupes built and believed to be amongst the last
Said to be completed except some brake parts and bumpers
Vendor states that it body/drivetrain could be used for your own build

The Condition

Virtually complete restoration project that appears straight and solid
Bodywork taken back to bare metal and finished in red oxide primer
Bodywork shows some ripples and points that would require minor repair
Panels including bonnet, doors and boot appear to be in good order
Glass, some chrome and some lights fitted as shown
Front split screen has cracked glass to both panels
Original rubbers are perished as shown
Chromework appears in fair condition with some aging to note
Sits on chrome wire wheels in fair condition with old vintage tyres fitted
Underside chassis rails look generally solid with some points to note to fitments and out riggers
Partially complete interior in black leather with red piping requiring restoration
Retains its veneer dashboard requiring restoration
We are told that all gauges are present and complete
Fitted with correct four spoke factory steering wheel

The Mechanics

Fitted with correct XK120 3.4L XK straight six engine
Also fitted with correct XK120 Moss 4spd manual box
Buyers should not assume this car is matching numbers as VIN is missing
All ancillaries are said to be present including carburettors
Mechanicals and running gear will require restoration as shown
Buyers should not assume the car runs or drives as it is a restoration project

BEFORE YOU BUY

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