Fantasy Junction

Description

1953 Jaguar XK120 DHC
s/n S677095 Eng. No. W8341-8S
Old English White with Red Leather

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. Though the roadster was the first model, the drophead coupe preserved the open air experience, but added the convenience and luxury of wood dashboard and door caps, windup windows, external door handles, quarter windows, and proper insulated top.

This particular example was completed on May 1st, 1953 as a US model car. The “S” prefix on the chassis number denotes this car as a “special equipment model”. The current owner purchased the car in June of 1982 from Mr. Laurence Gibson of El Paso, Texas. At that time the car had 72,000 miles, and was a nicely worn in, running and driving example that served as a regular driver until the decision was made to undertake a major restoration in the mid 1990s.

In late 1994 the car was sent to marque specialists XK Engineering Limited in the United Kingdom for a full restoration. This work included rebuilding the engine from the cylinder block up, paint, upholstery, chrome, the electronic, suspension, brake, and steering systems, among other work. Even the Motorola radio was restored. The process was carried out in a no expense spared fashion, and at the time of completion in 1996, the invoiced totals came to $67,821. In addition to the copious restoration receipts, also on file are detailed invoices for regular upkeep over the last fifteen years, included notes on an upgrade to a Petronix ignition system. In 2009 new period appropriate tires were installed.

Today the car shows just 83,500 original miles. Cosmetically, it is best described as a very high caliber, nicely mellowed restoration. The paint, interior, trunk, and engine bay have all been well cared for, and are without major flaws, but a touch below show winning standards. The depth of the restorative work is evident when viewed from the undercarriage. The body is straight, with good gaps and panel fit. The canvas convertible top, which appears to have been recently replaced, is excellent. The car sits on excellent chrome wire wheels.

Included with the car are the restoration and maintenance records mentioned above, a Heritage Certificate confirming this example as matching numbers, a detailed photo documentary of the restoration, the original owners manual, a service supplement, a spare parts catalogue, the correct jack and matching spare wheel with tire, and an extra set of keys.

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