Fantasy Junction

Description

1953 Jaguar XK 120 OTS
s/n 673929, Engine no. W 8316-8
Red with Tan Leather

Told by the post-war government to “export or die” the British motor industry responded valiantly, none more so than Jaguar Cars, soon to become the UK’s biggest US-dollar earner thanks in no small measure to the success of its sensational XK120 sports car. Delays in the gestation of its MkV11 saloon led to Jaguar exploring an alternative method of bringing the new XK 3.4 litre six-cylinder engine to public attention. The result was the fabulous XK120. Launched at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show, the stunning-looking roadster caused a sensation. Conceived as a low-volume model, the XK120 proved considerably more popular than expected, with the result that the expensive-to-produce, ahs-framed alloy coachwork was replaced by steel after 240 cars had been completed, though the bonnet, doors, and boot lid remain aluminum.

The car’s heart was, of course, the fabulous XK engine. Conceived in wartime, the 3.4 litre “six” embodied the best of modern design, boasting twin overhead camshafts running in an aluminum-alloy cylinder head, seven main bearings and a maximum output of 160bhp. When installed in the lightweight XK120, the result was a car with a phenomenal power-to-weight ratio and blistering performance. The “120” referred to the car’s top speed, any doubts about the claims veracity being swiftly banished when a standard XK120 achieve a top speed of 126.4 mph with hood and side screens erected and 132.6 mph minus its weather protection and equipped with an under tray. The XK120 set new standard of comfort, road holding and performance for British sports car and, in keeping with the Jaguar tradition, there was nothing to touch it at the price.

Although it had not been designed with racing in mind, the XK120’s competition potential was immediately obvious, not least to the factory, which entered a three-car team in the Daily Express one-hour race for standard production cars a Silverstone in August 1949. The XK’s with Leslie Johnson and Peter Walker duly rewarded Jaguar’s faith in its new sports car by finishing first and second respectively, thus setting the scene for an illustrious competition career that would culminate in the development of the legendary C-Type.

Supplied new to Dusseldorf, Germany in May of 1953, this example was sold to 1st Lieutenant Claude M. Talbott, finished in black paint paired with a two-tone biscuit and red interior. Sometime later the car found its way to the USA, where it was restored and concours shown with great ambition. Included with the sale are nearly forty trophies documenting its success in various JCNA events throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. During 2010, the car was restored a second time, by British Motor Corp in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. While no written documentation for this work is on file, is it clear to see that the work was comprehensive, and included an engine rebuild from the crankshaft up. We also understand that the transmission was opened, inspected, and reassembled as part of the restorative work.

Today, the car presents beautifully, and runs well, with very few miles on the recently completed restoration. The paintwork was done to very good standards, over straight panels. The gaps are even throughout the car, including the doors, which shut well. The car sits on beautiful chrome wire wheels, while the balance of the chrome; bumpers, headlight rims, and windshield frame, is reasonably good. A new canvas top has been fitted, which looks excellent, and the car is accompanied by a set of side windows.

The interior has been reupholstered in high quality leather and traditional wool carpeting. The work has a fresh appearance. Some bunching exists in the material on the sides of the seat, and on the transmission tunnel near the gear shift lever. The gauges look to have been restored as part of the restoration, and are all factory items, as is the steering wheel. The trunk has also been re-upholstered in tan material to match the interior.

The engine bay was highly detailed at the time of the restoration work, and has an impressive, glossy look. Care was taken while the car was apart to refinish the inner fender wells and the firewall in body color, as original. Many correct details are in place, including the cloth wrapped wiring loom. The valve covers are nicely polished, and it is evident by looking at the engine itself, that much recent work has been performed. The underside is also nicely detailed, as would be expected of a freshly restored car done to this level.

The car starts easily, runs well with a smooth idle and good power. The transmission shifts normally, and the suspension and steering box are both excellent. The brakes have a slight pull when stopping, which is common to the drum brake Jaguars.

In addition to the weather equipment, included with the car is a second set of wire wheels, which are painted red, the tool roll, correct jack, a heritage certificate, and the trophies awarded to this example during its concours years. We welcome inspections to confirm the quality of the restoration work performed.

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