2015-04-05 13:12:37 | pauls writes:

Some history provided in the April 2015 edition of the XK Gazette.

2017-08-11 19:49:31 | pauls writes:

The August 2017 edition of the XK Gazette reports the car was at auction 6/17.
www.bonhams.com/auctions/24120/lot/283/

Auction description:
Lot 283
1951 Jaguar XK120 Roadster
Sold for £107,900 (US$ 140,045) inc. premium
The Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale
Collector's Motor Cars and Automobilia
30 Jun 2017, 14:00 BST
Chichester, Goodwood

Registration no. 550 CXD
Chassis no. 660661
*Landmark Jaguar sports car
*Fully rebuilt by Twyford Moors Classic Cars
*Aluminium body
*Five-speed gearbox; rack-and-pinion steering; disc brakes
Footnotes

'"No, it's not a racing car," was an answer that had to be given several times to small boy admirers of the Jaguar XK120 while it was with The Autocar for Road Test. Perhaps there are others who do not appreciate that this stupendous car of the sleek appearance is primarily a very fast, tractable touring car and not "a racer", even though examples of the model have appeared with great success in sports car events, notably the Production Car Race at Silverstone last August.' - The Autocar, 14th April 1950.

The car offered here has been fully restored from the remains of an original Jaguar XK120 roadster that was first registered as 'DHH 522' on 1st February 1951, as confirmed in the accompanying buff logbook. It is not known if this number can be re-issued. The current registration has been with the car since the early 1960s.

Little is known of the early history of this car prior to its purchase in 1962 by one Ian Cowan from Caterham Cars for the princely sum of £100. Mr Cowan commenced a long-term programme of modifications, culminating in a 'fastback' design to accommodate his children, with rack and pinion steering, disc brakes, and a powerful XK150 S engine, all from a written off car in the days when XKs were relatively cheap.

Following its acquisition by the current owner, '550 CXD' was despatched to Twyford Moors Classic Cars together with a new aluminium bodyshell with the brief to create a totally new XK capable of track and race use. No expense has been spared, and the car features virtually every available improvement to make it most exciting to campaign. Features include rack-and-pinion steering, Sigma 3.4-litre engine, five-speed gearbox, special braking system, and much more. A full build specification is included in the file.

The car has been finished in appropriate California Sage Green, with a two-tone green interior trimmed by one of the most highly regarded specialists in the business, Mike Thomas. However, the current owner now considers the finished result too precious to be raced in earnest, and feels that it is appropriate to pass on the risk to someone else!
Virtually 'as new' in all respects, the car comes with the aforementioned logbook, V5C registration document, and Heritage Certificate. Included in the sale are an un-restored hood frame, side screens, and assorted drum brake components. A truly stunning car.

2017-08-12 05:43:47 | Paul Whitfield writes:

The correct original registration is OHN 522. I have a copy of the allocation book from Darlington where the car was originally registered to Sir R Ropner (Management) Ltd on 14th Feb 1951. Sir Robert Ropner was an enthusiastic Jaguar owner, he owned a D Type and 3 E Types at various stages. David Bentley has also researched this registration and has concluded that it should be OHN 522. It appears that the registration has been incorrectly copied onto the continuation log book.

2017-10-11 18:04:14 | pauls writes:

Car now offered at:
hexagonclassics.com/cars/jaguar-xk-120-ots-3-4-alloy-rhd-1951/

Sellers description:
JAGUAR XK 120 OTS 3.4, ALLOY, RHD, 1951
JUST 150 MILES SINCE FULL RESTORATION
SAGE GREEN METALLIC WITH DARK GREEN HIDE

SPECIFICATION INCLUDES:- COMPLETE BESPOKE ALUMINIUM BODYSHELL, FAST-ROAD SIGMA 3,485 CC ENGINE, 5-SPEED TREMEC GEARBOX, AERO SCREENS, BUCKET SEATS, MONZA FUEL FILLER, RESTORED CHASSIS PAINTED IN RACE GREY, ALUMINIUM PETROL TANK, ADJUSTABLE SHOCK ABSORBERS FRONT & REAR, 72-SPOKE WIRE WHEELS WITH 16" RADIAL TYRES, REAR DISCS BRAKE CONVERSION AND FRONT DISC FOSSE WAY BRAKE SYSTEM, HARVEY BAILEY ANTI-ROLL BAR, TWIN HD8 2" CARBURETTORS, UPRATED STARTER MOTOR, XK 140 RACK & PINION STEERING RACK AND COLUMN, SMALLER PERIOD SPORTS STEERING WHEEL (TO AID DRIVER ACCESS), 12 VOLT BATTERY CONVERSION, FULL XK 150 INSTRUMENT SET, TWIN PERIOD SPOT LAMPS, ALUMINIUM RADIATOR, TWIN 2" STAINLESS EXHAUST SYSTEM, BESPOKE MIKE THOMAS RE-TRIM IN HIDE WITH TONNEAU COVER, ORIGINAL JAGUAR SERVICE HANDBOOK, JDHT CERTIFICATE AND ORIGINAL BUFF LOG BOOK, ORIGINAL REGISTRATION NUMBER.

An opportunity to purchase a very special Jaguar XK120 which has been made even more desirable with fast-road upgrades and enhancements by renowned Jaguar marque specialists. This very special UK right-hand drive XK120 OTS is a real opportunity for anyone looking for a fast-road Jaguar that has been prepared to an extremely high specification.

2017-10-31 20:28:55 | Jeremy B writes:

The rear ride height is a trifle enthusiastic.