1952-Jaguar-XK 120 Roadster

Description

1952 Jaguar XK 120 Roadster
s/n 671685 engine no. 3783-8
Red with Black Leather Interior

Following World War II, the economically battered United Kingdom staggered back into the global industrial market by hurriedly rushing warmed over prewar cars into production. Thus, the entirely new and thoroughly modern XK 120 was a genuinely earth-shattering car, a truly contemporary and avant-garde car to boost the morale of Britons, and demonstrate to the world the resiliency of the United Kingdom. Introduced in 1948 as a concept car to showcase Jaguar`s remarkable new twin-cam inline-6 cylinder engine, the XK 120 was never intended to go into full scale production. However, its breathtaking, swoopy, and beautiful styling as well as its genuine 120 mph performance (not to mention the surprisingly affordable price) captured the imagination of the public, and the largely hand-built aluminum-bodied car was rushed into limited production. Jaguar was selling as many as they could make, so the car was reengineered as necessary to switch to mass production with steel bodies. Eventually coupe and drophead coupe (with a more completely lined top and wind-up windows) were added to the model line, but the roadster always remained the most beautiful and pure model.

This matching numbers car has received a stunning and extremely comprehensive frame-off restoration a few hundred miles ago, and remains in freshly restored condition. The quality of the work is extremely high and included the renewal of all cosmetics and mechanicals, including the body, paint, glass, lights, rubber, complete interior, engine, suspension, brakes, and wiring harness. The engine compartment, trunk, and underside were refinished and detailed to show standards, and the car has a number of extras and special features, including sand-cast carburetors. The engine has break-in mileage only since a complete rebuild, and the cylinder head has been fitted with big valves and hardened valve seats. The exhaust system is a big bore stainless unit, and a louvred hood has also been fitted. The original polished aluminum fan is included for the show-minded enthusiast, and the wire wheels are alloy-rimmed, including the spare. A thoughtfully executed hard tonneau cover is included for the passenger side, as are all of the components necessary to run the car with Brooklands screens (including fairing for the rear view mirror and blank off plates). The jack, tire pump, and full tool roll are present in the trunk, and all tires are period Dunlop items. A pair of Lucas accessory lamps is also fitted, and the grease gun is present in the engine compartment.

The exterior of the car is in beautiful show condition, with superb paint, preparation and panels. The gaps and fit are both excellent, and there is no wear evident. The chrome is fresh and outstanding throughout, including on the wheels and spinners. All glass and lights are excellent as well, and the car is fitted with Lucas tri-bar headlamps and Lucas accessory fog lamps. The difficult to fit windscreen is properly installed on this car.

The interior has been completely redone as well, and is in very nice condition. The upholstery on the seats, door panels, and dashboard excellent with light patina, and the well-fitted carpets are very nice. The curved back seats provide a bit more space for the occupants, and the well-fitted hard tonneau cover is very neat.

The trunk was comprehensively and correctly restored, with the correct liner and lamp to the inside of the lid, as well as the original factory air pump! The carpeting was redone, and the spare compartment and spare were also restored.

The engine compartment was beautifully restored as well, and remains sparkling. The wiring, inner fenders, engine, ancillaries and hardware are all spotless and spectacular. The engine compartment is extremely correct, down to the braided covering on the wires.

The underside is similarly well-done. The frame and body are spotlessly detailed, as are the engine, suspension, brakes, driveline, and exhaust. The stainless exhaust system attractive and sounds wonderful. Even the leather covers for the leaf springs have been replaced. The car is quite literally better than new, with nearly all components having been refinished or replaced.

The car drives extremely well. The engine makes excellent, smooth power with great oil pressure as you would expect from a freshly rebuilt unit. The unmistakable straight six exhaust note of this car is a very special treat. The brakes are effective, and the suspension is tight. The transmission requires deliberate shifts, as is often the case with Moss boxes. The owner of the car is aware of this and is flexible to help facilitate the rectification of this issue since the new owner may wish to fit a 5-speed gearbox instead of repairing the current matching numbers one.

This is an opportunity to acquire a superbly-restored example of this important and beautiful car. As is frequently the case with restored cars, it is available at significantly less than the cost of the restoration. This is a hugely complete example with many difficult to find extras, including the Brooklands windscreen, which can be easily installed in a matter of minutes.