Photos provided by the vendor
Video showing oil pressure at the bottom of the listing
Highlights
- French registered
- Very attractive reserve
- Service and mechanical overhaul carried out by Boche Automobiles in April 2023
- Originally a UK supplied right-hand drive example
- Presented in very good, usable condition with some attractive patina
- We’re informed that it is running and driving impeccably
- Complete with its fabric hood and side screens, both of which are in very good order
- Same owner since 2007
The Appeal
Introduced in 1948, the XK120 showcased the sporting potential of Jaguar’s groundbreaking XK engine. With dual overhead camshafts and hemispherical combustion chambers, their new straight-six would serve Jaguar until 1992, and the XK120 was the car that sold it to the world.
Here we have a delightful 1953 open two-seater, or “Roadster” as they came to be known. Originally sold in Great Britain, hence the rightward placement of the steering wheel, this XK120 has since lived in Switzerland and now resides in France. It’s a very usable example, that’s not too pristine to drive and benefits from some recent mechanical servicing at a cost of almost €5,000. The vendor remarks that the car has been very reliable throughout their ownership and drives impeccably.
If you’re looking for a classic Jaguar that you can drive as its makers intended, don’t miss this great example.
The History and Paperwork
- Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate of authenticity present
- Manufactured on 30th September, 1953
- Originally supplied by Manor Garage, with the original distributor being Appleyard, Leeds
- Acquired by the present owner in Switzerland, where the car had apparently been for several years
- Now resides in France
- The vendor informs us that the car is stored in a dry garage, which has ensured that it is beautifully preserved
- Originally finished in Battleship Grey, although the interior scheme is seemingly original
- Serviced by Boche Automobiles in April 2023 with the invoice present
The Interior
- Leather upholstery in biscuit and red
- Red carpeting and leather door cards
- Nicely patinated, but not excessively worn
This Jaguar’s interior has been preserved, rather than overly restored over the years and the vendor points out how it is still upholstered in its original biscuit and red - as identified by the Jaguar Heritage certificate.
All the fixtures and fitting look to be very original, with some gentle wear but nothing excessive or indeed any obvious later additions. The leather exhibits some slight discolouration and a few abrasions, but no tears or holes we could see. The seats remain comfortable and perfect for long distance touring.
We note that the carpeting is a little worn in places, but remains in eminently usable condition. The dashboard is neatly upholstered, the switchgear looks smart and the dials appear in really good order, with the vendor not reporting any faults.
The Exterior
- Smart red paintwork
- Small chips and cracks to the paint in places, but nothing especially noticeable
- The soft top hood and side screens remain in great condition
The XK120 must have made quite the impression in post-war Britain. With streamlined styling and a purposeful stance, this Jaguar looks like the seriously fast car it in fact was.
Now finished in a striking shade of red, this is a really attractive example. The paint shines and the bodywork looks to be in really good order for its age. The vendor points out some chips, finish cracking and general patina in a few places, but there’s nothing that unduly concerns us.
The hood and side screens look to be in really good order and the vendor assures us that they work really well, following a recent overhaul. The car is sitting on steel wheels with hubcaps and the rear wheels are enclosed by spats. All the chromework looks great, as does the badging glass and light lenses. The vendor informs us that the underside is in good order, with no significant corrosion or damage apparently present.
The Mechanics
- 3.4-litre XK straight-six (not matching but XK120 engine, 8:1 compression)
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- Running and driving really well according to the vendor
- Excellent compressions as visible in the gallery
An invoice from Boche Automobiles dated 25th April 2023 outlines the following work:
- Fuel pump replaced
- Removal, cleaning and refitting of the fuel tank
- Cleaning and adjustment of the carburettors
- Replacement of batteries and starter relay
- Gearbox engine oil change and greasing
- Test driven for around 150km after work completed
The vendor informs us that the car runs beautifully, with plenty of power to show for it. The gearbox selects gears as it should and the brakes are apparently effective. The Jaguar has proved reliable on long distance drives, starting readily and not presenting any faults.
Summary
This is a supremely usable example of one of the most highly respected classic Jaguars. Recently serviced and given a clean bill of health, it’s up to the next owner to drive it as much as they can.
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