Fantasy Junction

Description

1952 Jaguar XK120 Roadster
s/n 672631 Engine no.W5568-8
Red with Black 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. A closed head variant of the car was also introduced, with a wood dashboard and a striking roofline supposedly inspired by William Lyons` fondness for a particular pre-war Bugatti Type 57.

This particular car is a structurally excellent California car that has never been restored. Sold new in California, this car remained in the same family from the late 1970s to 2013 and has been used sparingly but maintained over the years. The work included a complete engine and gearbox rebuild approximately 600 miles ago. Within the last 2000 miles, much other work has been performed, including replacing the front shocks, fitting a new fuel pump, replacing the brake master cylinder, rebuilding the wheel cylinders, rebuilding the carburetors, converting the car to wire wheels, fitting electronic ignition, and fitting a wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel.

Cosmetically, the car has been undisturbed during this period, and has patina throughout. The body is extremely straight and solid, with excellent fit and panel operation. The solidity of the car is evident underneath as well, with no evidence of corrosion, past or present. Additionally, there is no evidence of accidents ever having occurred either. The paintwork is older and is showing wear, with numerous chips, cracks and scratches, as well as an area where it has been polished through on the front left fender. The chrome has light to moderate pitting throughout, but all metalwork and trim is straight and present. The glass and lights are in very good to excellent shape throughout. The wheels and tires are in very good shape as well.

The interior has an older retrim and the carpeting has been replaced by unusual rubber matting. The wood-rimmed steering wheel is excellent, and the dashboard and instruments are in very good cosmetic shape. Most of the instruments work, although the water temperature gauge is not currently functional.

The engine compartment and trunk are both unrestored and are in good honest condition, with no signs of bodged repairs or cut corners. The spare is a wire wheel as well and the engine compartment is correctly presented, if somewhat dirty.

The car runs and drives extremely well. The engine starts easily and displays superb oil pressure. The starting solenoid is switch-operated and works well, and the engine is well-tuned, pulling easily even from low engine speeds. The gearbox operates as it should, as do the steering and suspension. The chassis is composed and the car gives the driver the confidence to use the car in the sporting manner for which it was designed. The brakes stop the car effectively, although it pulls to the right slightly.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a mechanically sorted and extremely solid car that exemplifies the term California car. This car’s outstanding structural condition borders on unbelievable, given that the car has never been restored. As a restoration candidate, this is a superb example that gives the owner the peace of mind that the car has never been a basket case, but at the same time, the car is so solid and works superbly as is, so would make a characterful driver to use care-free on a daily basis or in events without fear of stone chips or the occasional puddle. Certainly, in event use, the car is sure to attract lots of positive attention for its patina, and simply because it is not another sparklingly restored example. The car is complete with over 30 years of service records, original and reproduction manuals, and unrestored weather equipment and spats.

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