2011-07-18 09:05:10 | DougYoung writes:

For sale at Gooding 2011 Pebble Beach auction est US$130 - 160k

2011-07-31 21:20:18 | pauls writes:

URL for above:

www.goodingco.com/car/1950-jaguar-xk120-roadster

Auction description:

Pebble Beach 2011

Lot 6

1950 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

CHASSIS NO. 670847

ENGINE NO. W2193-8

$130,000 - $160,000

Without Reserve

This sensational early XK120 Roadster offers the desirable combination of low-mileage, minimal ownership and a recent restoration. According to a Vehicle Information Sheet issued by Jaguar Cars Limited in 1987, this XK120 was originally distributed by a dealership in Düsseldorf, Germany, to Colonel Richael Paelen. The heritage document also demonstrates that this car still carries its original elements, including its authentic matching-numbers drivetrain and its livery of bronze paint over an interior of biscuit and tan leather.

This Jaguar was subsequently acquired by Michael Proto, a Connecticut enthusiast who kept the car until he passed away some years later. Mr. Proto's widow retained the XK120 Roadster until 1987 when she sold it to Philip and George Flagge, also of Connecticut. As the XK120 had been idle for some years following Mr. Proto's passing, the Flagges intended to conduct a restoration that would sympathetically freshen the car's mechanical components. However, like many such projects, the XK120 never received its due attention and remained in an unrestored state until sold by the Flagges in 2009 to the consignor, a marque enthusiast with extensive experience in racing vintage Jaguars.

After acquiring the car, the consignor commissioned Predator Performance of Largo, Florida, to conduct a thorough and meticulous frame-off restoration during which the mechanical and cosmetic components was authentically renewed to concours standards. While this early XK120 was being disassembled for restoration, it became apparent that the car had benefitted from a life with few owners and minimal use, especially as it still had its original interior including the carpets. Predator Performance carried out a complete mechanical rebuild of the drivetrain and chassis in-house. The paintwork was addressed by Tom Palisi of Florida, and the interior was reupholstered by BAS in Vancouver, British Columbia, both renowned marque experts with experience restoring JCNA awarded cars.

This beautifully presented XK120 is believed to be one of only eight left-hand-drive examples built in 1950 that were painted bronze. Furthermore, as a 1950 model, this car has some unique early production features, such as the lack of the ventilation cutout in the front fenders and the studless camshaft cover outfitted on the motors of early XK120 examples. Accompanied by a tool roll, jack, wheel brace and tire pump, this XK120 also features a workshop manual and owner's handbook, as well as its Jaguar-issued Vehicle Information Sheet, the precursor to today's JDHT heritage certificates.

Radiating with aesthetic elegance and mechanical prowess worthy of the model's fine reputation, this XK120 Roadster is striking in its presentation and offers its next owner the thrill of competitive exhibition at the finest concours d'elegance and JCNA events or the heart-soaring rush of British open-air motoring.

1950 Jaguar XK120 convertible 670847 sold $115,500