Fantasy Junction

Description

1953 Jaguar XK-120 Roadster
s/n S673572, Engine no. W7443-8S
Cream White with Red 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, ash-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.

This particular example has a short and sweet tale of exceedingly long term California ownership, fifty seven years to be exact. Sold new in the Bay Area of Northern California, and purchased by the late owner Mr. Kenneth Purchase in 1959, it has remained in his care ever since. When Mr. Purchase bought the car it was black, but it was discovered during the restoration that it was likely dove grey when sold new. At some point in the car’s life the cylinder head was changed, but the car retains its original matching numbers engine block. After many years of ownership, the car was in need of restoration, and between 1998 and 2013 a comprehensive overhaul was performed involving nearly every mechanical and cosmetic aspect of this lovely open British sports car.


Bay Area Jaguar authorities Steve Gordon at Vintage Auto Service and David Ferguson at Images Autobody oversaw the restoration, and performed nearly all of the mechanical and cosmetic aspects of the work including the disassembly and reassembly. Mr. Gordon rebuilt the engine including cylinder head, carburetors, wiring loom, differential, installed a newly built 5-speed transmission, clutch assembly, and balanced driveline, and rebuilt the brakes hydraulic systems, relined the shoes, and machined the drums. New shocks were installed, and the suspension was rebuilt with new bushings. The wheel bearings were replaced, and new wire wheels fitted, shod with new tires. The gauges were rebuilt, as was the distributor, and at the same time an electronic ignition system fitted. The cooling system was renewed with a rebuilt radiator and new cooling hoses. A new fuel tank was fitted, with a rebuilt fuel pump. A new starter was also installed. A stainless steel exhaust system replaces the original, and sings a wonderful note under acceleration.

The cosmetic work was performed in large part by Jaguar experts Images Auto Body in Campbell, California- known the world over for their work on high-end Jaguars. The objective was to complete the car to show standards. The chrome work was outsourced to Lodi Chrome, and the upholstery work was done by Cooks Upholstery to include the beautiful beige canvas top and side curtains, and the trunk detailed in red to match the interior. The engine bay and undercarriage are fully and freshly detailed. It is clear from a critical inspection of the underside how this particular car has benefited from being a California car from new. Finished in cream white over red leather, the end result is an exceedingly handsome motorcar indeed.

Today the car has logged just 511 miles since the restoration was completed and still has a fresh presentation. Aside from few scratches on the rear cowl from putting the top up and down, it is nearly without flaw from age or use, above or below. The restoration work was carried out in a fashion faithful to original, with many correct details. Included with this wonderful example is a photo documentary of the restoration process, all invoices pertaining to labor performed and parts purchased, the restored side curtains, a knock off tool, the matching spare wire wheel, and extra floor mats. We welcome inspections to confirm the quality of the restoration work performed.

Please Note: This car is currently titled in California to the engine number of W74438S.

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