Fantasy Junction

Description

1954 Jaguar XK 120 Roadster
s/n S675948, Engine no. F3572-8S
Red with Black Leather

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. Eventually coupe and drophead coupe (with a more completely lined top and wind-up windows) were added to the model line, but the roadster always remained the most beautiful and pure model.

This matching numbers car has recently received a stunning and extremely comprehensive restoration, and remains in freshly restored condition. The quality of the work is extremely high and included the renewal of both cosmetics and mechanical aspects of the car, including the body, paint, glass, lights, rubber, complete interior, engine, suspension, brakes, and wiring harness. The engine compartment, trunk, and underside were refinished and detailed to very high standards. This particular example has been retrofitted with a Tremec 5-Speed transmission, which while virtually undetectable from the outside, greatly improves its usability in modern day traffic. The exhaust system is a big bore stainless unit, and a louvred hood has also been fitted. The jack, tire pump, and full tool roll are present in the trunk, along with a full cockpit tonneau cover. A pair of Lucas accessory lamps is also fitted, and the grease gun is present in the engine compartment.

The exterior of the car is in beautiful condition, with superb paint, preparation, and panels. The gaps and fit are both excellent. There are a handful of small use marks evident around the car, but on the whole its appearance is that of a fresh restoration. The chrome is generally outstanding throughout, with selected areas of very light ageing. The car sits on like-new 72 spoke chrome wire wheels with knock offs. All glass and lights are excellent as well, and the car is fitted with Lucas tri-bar headlamps and Lucas accessory fog lamps. The difficult to fit windscreen is properly installed on this car.

The interior has been redone as well, and is in very nice condition. The gauges are all correct units and appear to have been restored. The upholstery on the seats, door panels, and dashboard excellent with just very light patina to the driver’s carpet heal pad and edges of the seats.

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, and is currently representative of a well cared for car with a few thousand miles on the restoration work. The engine compartment is quite correct, down to the braided covering on the wires. The valve covers on this example have been chrome finished.

The underside is similarly well-done. The frame and body are detailed, as are the engine, suspension, brakes, driveline, and exhaust. The stainless exhaust system attractive and sounds wonderful. Even the leather covers for the leaf springs have been replaced.

The car drives extremely well. The engine makes excellent, smooth power with great oil pressure. The unmistakable straight six exhaust note of this car is a very special treat. The brakes are effective, and the suspension is tight. The 5 speed transmission shifts easily, with a very similar shift gate feel to the original Moss box, but with greatly improved synchronization.

This is an opportunity to acquire a superbly-restored example of this important and beautiful car. As is frequently the case with restored cars, it is available at significantly less than the cost of the restoration alone.

With this example comes the tools, period correct jack, hammer, grease gun, air pump, tonneau, side windows, and selected records for work performed during the current ownership period. Eligible for virtually all the premier tours and rallies such as the California Mille, Colorado Grand, and New England 1000, this XK 120 Roadster will appeal to the driving enthusiast looking for a well prepared English sports car.

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