Highlights

Carefully recreated XK120 replica using Aristocat kit
Great value way into the beautiful XK120 style
Extensive recent investment by seller
Reassurance of long MOT to September 2024
ULEZ, MOT and tax exempt

The Appeal

Jaguar’s XK120 ushered in a new era for the firm, one characterised by wins on Sunday and sales on Monday. Utterly beautiful and as quick as anything else on the road, original cars are sought after and command prices nudging the stratosphere.

For those who admire the XK120 but have slightly less deep pockets there is the Aristocat by Autotune. It was developed with permission from Jaguar and designed to run on the firm’s more recent running gear, mainly six or 12 cylinder XJ or XJS. Autotune offered it as a kit suitable for amateur home builders who could add in their own personalisation during the construction.

This Aristocat was built by two engineers from the late 1980s to the 2000s using a 1968 Jaguar 420 donor so that they could keep the chassis number as close as possible to the original XK120s. Other running gear came from a 3.4litre XJ6 saloon. During the build they made numerous modifications to improve the quality of the finish, particularly around panel fit.

The vendor has invested £4,500 over the last 12 months to improve the quality and reliability of this beautifully finished car. Now equipped with a fresh MOT and in great condition, few cars offer the presence and style of this rare Aristocat.

The History and Paperwork

Donor vehicle a Jaguar 420 registered on 16th May 1968
DVLA records note a colour change on 14th January 2008 when it is likely the project was completed
Current owner since 24th September 2022
The Aristocat was designed as a spaceframe chassis to take Jaguar components
The body is dimensionally close to the XK120 but with 5in added to the width and 1in to the length
This is to accommodate the Jaguar running gear
Built by two engineers who improved panel fit and wiring, rebuilt the rear axle and installed dual servo brakes
Build file, build sheet, Autotune invoices and photographs of the project with the car
They chose a 420 to quality for historic status and closely replicate a XK120 VIN
Jaguar XJ6 3.4litre saloon used for engine, power steering and automatic gearbox
Original specification sheet and history file for the donor vehicle included
Used by previous owner for European tours, classic car rallies and shows
Serviced by previous owner prior during tenure
£4,500 of recent expenditure by seller with specialist Cotswold Classic Car Restorations
MOT expires 20th September 2024
Minor MOT advisories for deterioration of four tyres

Recent investment by the seller:

£981.70 in August 2023 to rectify electrical and wiring issues
£1,207.62 also in August on MOT repair items
£875.18 in September 2023 on MOT repairs
£1,427.76 in October 2023 on carburettors, callipers and fuel leak

The Interior

Biscuit leather interior with evident care taken to recreate XK120 aesthetics
Aristocat kit was 5in wider than XK120 for more comfortable and spacious interior
Older build with low mileage reflected in well-kept condition of cabin
Some light signs of use are visible, including some discolouration and wear to the leather
Two-tone cream and caramel leather reclining sports seats
Contrasting mid-brown carpets in good condition
Jaguar XJ power steering usefully fitted
Four spoke Moto Lita wood-rimmed wheel replicates XK120 factory item
Classic Jaguar Smiths dials in good, unrestored condition
Full tonneau on matching caramel vinyl supplied and fits correctly

The Exterior

Attractive Opalescent Green metallic paintwork with gold fleck
Bodywork reflects the meticulousness of the builders with good panel fit
Some minor signs of use, such as a scratch on the nearside rear wing
Otherwise the paintwork presents very well
Chrome fittings appear well kept with no visible tarnishing
Nice attention to detail, for example the wire headlamp guards
Slim bumpers to replicate the XK120 style
Period correct bonnet badge
Split windscreen, just like a XK120
Chrome wire wheels with standard XJ five nut hubs

The Mechanics

Jaguar running gear with 1968 420 VIN number
XJ6 4.3 litre straight six twin carburettor engine
3spd automatic gearbox from the same car
£4,500 recently expended on electrics, carburettors and brakes
Thick history file right back to the original build and also covering donor car

Summary

A well-executed kit becomes more than just the car it emulates. As this lovely Aristocat shows, it combines familiar lines from the XK120 with a history and specification all its own.

The attention to detail by this car’s original builders is obvious from the photos and extends to finding a car with a similar VIN to an original XK120. With considerable recent investment and the reassurance of a long MOT.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.

✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.

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