Fantasy Junction

Description

1950 Jaguar XK 120 Alloy Roadster
s/n 670111, Engine no. W1216-8
Red with Tan Leather Interior

It is difficult to encapsulate the enthusiasm that greeted Jaguar when, in 1948, they revealed the XK 120 to the British public and eventually the world. Even for the largely demure Brits, emerging from economic austerity following World War II, the XK120 caused quite a stir. The shocking and newly conceived XK 120 was nothing short of an earth-shattering revelation. This truly avant-garde car not only boosted morale among the weary UK population, it demonstrated to the world that Britain had not only the technical capacity in the automotive world but the fortitude to deliver a sensual and emotionally engaging car. Although originally intended to be a concept car showcasing Jaguars’ remarkable new twin-cam inline-6 cylinder engine, the breathtaking styling and genuine 120 mph performance, coupled with an affordable price, captured the imagination of the world. In short order, the largely hand-built aluminum-bodied car was rushed into limited production as orders came flooding in. With time and delivery pressures growing, Jaguar immediately realized they needed to reengineer the car for mass production and quickly develop steel bodied tooling capable of producing thousands of cars. Fatefully, a mere 242 aluminum examples were built before the XK120 shifted to steel production, making the lighter and largely handcrafted aluminum cars forever rare and desirable.

This particular XK120 is an excellent alloy example, presented in beautiful colors, sporting correct and rare rear fender spats just as it was delivered when new. Scoring 99.36 as the 1989 JCNA Best of Show and Best of Class winner, this matching-numbers Jaguar was restored to the highest standards available at that time. One of just 184 LHD cars built, the car was completed on January 26, 1950 and shipped to Jaguar distributor CAMAV in Caracas, Venezuela, in part to meet the demand from the remarkable number of wealthy Venezuelan sports car enthusiasts that were eager to purchase the newest British sports car. Likely enjoyed for several years and eventually imported to the US, by 1979, the car found its way to the next known owner, James Caraher of Tacoma, Washington. Caraher elected to restore the car, later selling it to Robert Ames of Seattle in the late 1980s. Ames then refined the restoration, elevating it to concours winning condition winning Best of Show at the Bend, Oregon 4th Biennial JCNA. In the years since, the car has enjoyed climate-controlled storage and gentle use including sorting and freshening performed in the early 2000s by marque specialists XKs Unlimited in San Luis Obispo, Ca.

Today the car presents as a very nice example of a once spectacular show winning restoration. Although the finishes are showing signs of age, the former and current owners have exhibited great care while driving and maintaining this wonderful car. The paint still remains very glossy throughout with some areas showing signs of road use and a few minor blemishes. Overall the body is in very good condition showing remarkably well given the restoration work that was done over 30 years ago. Panels are very nicely done with some fit irregularities along the upper shut line of the trunk lid. The hood, doors, and trunk shut and latch properly. The chrome is in good to very good condition with the grille appearing to be the least reflective, while the remaining chrome is very much in keeping with the overall finish of the body. Emblems, and minor trim including the windscreen are all in good to very good condition. A new set of period correct Vredestein tires has been recently mounted on the factory solid wheels, which are very nicely painted and trimmed to match the body color. Overall the exterior visual presentation is one of a delightfully matured restoration that still charms even the most ardent Jaguar enthusiast.

The interior has been correctly restored and now shows a comfortable patina, which has settled very evenly into the materials. None of the interior components are out of visual character with the settled appearance of the car. The leather seats are quite nice, still properly bolstered and comfortable with a nice hue and sheen. Carpeting and door panels are also in good condition with a few slight marks from use and some mild toning in the driver’s side foot well. The dash and instrumentation are all in very nice condition, all of which appear to function as expected with very nice nomenclature, needles, and delightful dial faces. The switches, gearshift lever, and emergency brake handle are all in very nice condition with no notable flaws. The trunk is very much in keeping with the interior condition. Materials show a bit of use but still very tidy including the spare tire storage area.

Under the hood, the beautiful Jaguar dual-overhead camshaft engine still sparkles and delights with excellent finishes and correct components. The restoration work has settled here as well but the finishes are still very nice overall with some mellowing and evidence of mild use now showing in the lower portion of the engine compartment. The overall condition of the engine is very nice displaying admirable luster throughout, correct factory hardware, and proper detailing. The undercarriage still remains very nicely done with proper finishes showing some aging now after several years have passed since restoration. In all, the underside components are very presentable and worthy of the high points this car achieved when it was freshly restored. Clearly proper care and storage have minimized the impact of time on what was a remarkable restoration, still holding up very nicely after all these years.

The car starts easily in part due to a very convenient and easy to use electric choke. Concealed on the passenger side under the dash, a small button is pulled out for starting. After a few minutes when the car has reached operating temperature, the button is simply pressed in and a lower idle settles the engine. Driving the car is quite easy with the engine functioning smoothly and the gearbox quietly agreeing with each easy up-shift. The clutch takes up properly, oil pressure is good, the system charges as expected, and there is no oil smoke when running. Driving manners are as one might expect for a car more than half a century old, but acceleration is brisk and cornering still very much a delight when at speed, particularly given the open coachwork. The car comes with a matching tan convertible top, side curtains, and side curtain covers, as well as a correct tool kit, air pump, and factory jack.

This is an outstanding opportunity to acquire a car that once achieved the highest levels of judging any vintage Jaguar can obtain. As one of the most iconic and significant cars of the 20th century, a genuine handmade aluminum XK120 roadster must be considered one of the premier examples of automotive art in any collection. Finished in beautiful colors and eagerly awaiting ongoing care or further freshening, this Jaguar offers the next fortunate enthusiast a rare opportunity to own and drive a rare and lovingly restored beauty, still very capable of dazzling a crowd of appreciative onlookers.

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