Fantasy Junction

Description

1953 Jaguar XK120 Fixed Head Coupe
s/n 680949 engine no. 7830
Suede Green with Suede Green Leather 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 example is a lovely matching numbers four-owner California car still wearing its original yellow California license plates and still remaining in its original color combination. It was originally sold in Oakland, California, and was acquired by its current owner over twenty years ago. It was beautifully restored in the mid 1990`s, with mechanical work completed by Steve Gordon, paintwork by Brian Hoyt, and the interior by Ken Niminic, and remains in very nice shape. The cylinder head was replaced during the restoration, though the original matching one is included with the car. There is photographic documentation from the restoration process included in an album with the car. The car was shown at Hillsborough, Silverado, and Rocky Mountain Concours, in addition to several JCNA events, as recently as last year. On all of these outings, it has taken first or second place, and remains in excellent shape. Recently (October 2008) the car had $4322.63 of work performed by Steve Gordon, including rebuilding the carburetors and rebuilding the cylinder head.

The car is in wonderful shape, with very straight panels and excellent gaps. The owner reports that the car has never had any rust damage or rust repair, and the paintwork itself was applied to very high standards. There are few signs of damage or aging, just a handful of stress cracks in a few places. The chrome is excellent, as are the lamps, which are correct Lucas tribar items. The appearance of the car is particularly elegant thanks to the fitment of disc wheels and spats.

The interior is equally nice, with excellent leather, wood, and carpets. The correct high quality material and finishes were employed throughout, and the switches and instruments are excellent as well.

The trunk was comprehensively and correctly restored, with the correct liner and lamp to the inside of the lid, as well as the original factory air pump! The carpeting was redone, and the spare compartment and spare were also restored.

The engine compartment was beautifully restored as well, and remains sparkling. The wiring, inner fenders, engine, ancillaries and hardware are all spotless and spectacular. The engine compartment is extremely correct, down to the braided covering on the wires.

The underside is similarly well-done, and quite clean, with only light soiling. The frame and body are detailed, as are the engine, suspension, brakes, driveline, and exhaust. The stainless exhaust system is attractive and even the leather covers for the leaf springs have been replaced.

This is an opportunity to acquire a superbly-restored example of this important and beautiful car, and is particularly appealing because of its faithfulness to its original configuration. It is a California car that remains in its original colors, is matching numbers, and has had few long term owners. It also is very complete, with its original complete tool kit, original workshop and owner`s manuals, and even the air pump in the trunk.

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