Fantasy Junction

Description

1952 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

Chassis No. – 672426
Engine No. – B3007-8
Exterior Color – Ecurie Ecosse Blue
Interior Color – Black Leather
Engine – 3.4 Liter in-line six
Transmission – 4-speed manual
Current Miles – 92,338 miles (TMU)

General History


When Jaguar revealed the XK120, wartime austerity was still impacting much of the UK. With its stunning styling, sophisticated mechanical specification, and unapologetic performance, the XK120 was nothing short of a revelation. The elegant and sporty XK120 not only boosted morale among the weary UK population, it demonstrated to the world that Britain had both the technical capacity and design excellence to deliver a beautiful performance car.

Although originally intended to be a concept car showcasing Jaguar’s remarkable new twin-cam inline 6-cylinder engine, the breathtaking styling and genuine 120 mph performance of the XK120, coupled with an affordable price, captured the imagination of the world. Sales were so strong that Jaguar had to reengineer the car for mass production to meet the significant demand. This effort not only improved output, it also allowed Jaguar to expand their market share exporting to North America and other parts of the world. The XK120 set new standards of comfort, handling, and performance for British sports cars. There was nothing that could touch the XK120 at the remarkably affordable price.

History of this Jaguar XK 120



According to the current owner, this Jaguar was formerly under Berkeley, CA ownership retained by the same enthusiast who had kept it for over 30 years before selling it to the current owner in 2022. Believed to have been in Northern California since delivered new, this XK120 was maintained by Jaguar specialist Jim Groom as summarized in the handwritten notes accompanying this car covering engine rebuild, carburetor rebuild, new clutch, u-joints, new wheel bearings, axle bearings and seals, re-arch rear springs, rebuild rear shocks, replace front shocks, reline brake shoes, replace brake lines, new wheel cylinders, clean radiator, complete rewire, add front fender lamps, complete new interior (Bartlett) and complete paint. Additionally, copies of invoices spanning 1987-2010 including service and parts invoices from Bassetts, XKs Unlimited, Moss Motors, and others further document the restoration and mechanical work performed on this beautiful XK120 Roadster. The earliest service invoice included with this car is dated December 1987 and indicates 73,463 miles. The odometer currently indicates 92,338 miles (TMU).

As with many cars from this period, this car was titled using the engine number B2007-8, a common practice for title and registration. The Mark VII series engine retains both the same head and block number which also match the California title. The chassis plate is stamped W5248-8 indicating the original engine number. Originally finished in sand beige metallic, the former owner elected to refinish the car in Ecurie Ecosse Blue, also a Jaguar color for that period, though more often found on competition cars of the era. Under current ownership the wheel cylinders and master cylinder have been rebuilt, the fuel system cleaned, and general service, fluid exchanges, and adjustments made to ensure overall mechanical operation.

Current Condition and Overview

Today, this sporty XK120 roadster displays handsome character, authentic construction, and fantastic vivid color. The paint is quite nice overall displaying glossy, smooth coverage throughout, with the right amount and scale of metal flake to match the era of this distinctive color. The body is in very good condition showing sound panel gaps and excellent door fit with good closures and latching, reflective of professional attention to detail when the car was refinished under prior ownership. The color combination is highlighted by chrome wire wheels and Avon radial tires which are serviceable but would be wise to replace should the next owner plan to drive in club events or engage in sustained highway driving. In addition to the excellent paint, the chrome is in very good condition overall with good luster including a very nice grille, excellent taillight housings, and polished headlight trim. The windscreen and chrome trim are also in good condition, while the tan convertible top fits snugly to the windshield, has a clear rear window, properly finished top irons, and signs of age noted on the headliner

Inside the cockpit, the black leather interior is very nicely presented with just the right amount of relaxation to the leather. Materials and finishes are quite tidy with good seam and stitch lines, slightly softened padding, and a very handsome dashboard. The instrumentation is in very good condition showing excellent color, correct needles, and contrasting dial faces. An under-dash temperature gauge, a start prime switch for the carburetors, and an auxiliary fan switch to aid in cooling are mounted above the 4-speed manual shifter. A wood rim steering wheel is currently fitted though the original wheel is included with the car. The trunk is very much in keeping with the interior condition including a spare wire wheel (painted silver), black matting, and the correct upper luggage shelf.

Lifting the hood, the engine compartment is clean and correctly finished overall as is the engine, dual-overhead camshaft head finished with the correct gold cam valley, and generally correct components and finishes. A modern aluminum radiator is installed which is further cooled via a dash mounted switch activating the puller fan mounted on the front surface of the radiator. An upgraded Alison coil is installed to improve ignition. The undercarriage remains clean and correct and appears to be original based on the condition of the finishes. There is no evidence of structural damage or compromise to the floors or suspension components. A stainless-steel exhaust and muffler are fitted to the engine exit pipes.

The car starts easily and settles into a smooth loping idle. Once warmed to operating temperature, the car sets off confidently. The driving experience is relaxed, and the engine displays good power, pulling strong in all gears. The gearbox shifts smoothly, the clutch takes up properly, and braking is consistent with the era. The open coachwork, low seating position, and handsome interior contribute to the sporting characteristics which were key to setting world standards for sports car excellence – a distinction that remains today with collectors, enthusiasts, and new generations of drivers.

This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a very handsome Jaguar XK120 roadster, ready for your driving pleasure. As one of the most beautifully designed cars ever conceived for road use, this XK120 offers the next owner all the classic elegance and motoring experience of one of the most iconic sports cars ever built.

Included with this Jaguar

This Jaguar is accompanied by a black canvas tonneau cover, the original steering wheel, a pair of side curtains, a spare fan belt, two sets of keys, a Jaguar service manual, and a set of tools and tool roll.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608