2016-07-20 13:35:54 | pauls writes:

Car now offered at:
autokennel.com/1952-jaguar-xk120-fixed-head-coupe/

Sellers description:
1952 Jaguar XK120 Fixed Head Coupe
Built to SE/M Specifications ◊ Well-Sorted SoCal Touring Car ◊ Complete Mechanical Restoration in 2008

VIN # 679783
BDY# J1786
ENG# W6326-8S (orig was W5255-8)

33,000 Miles on Odometer

Engine Full Rebuild 10-years ago (Approx. 15k Miles Ago)

Ivory on Oxblood Leather with Grey Carpets
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Clean and Clear California Title
Jaguar Heritage Certificate
Owned by 45-Year Classic Jaguar Associate Member/Past President

Offered at $54,990

The owner of this car has made a habit of using it as a part time daily-driver as well as vintage touring event car for the past 17-years.

This Jaguar was dispatched from the factory on July 24th, 1952 and imported by Max Hoffman of New York. It was originally ordered in Birch Grey with red interior trim. However, that was changed over 20-years ago to its current color combination.

The current owner is a local longtime classic car owner. He enjoys vintage hotrods and also Jaguars. He found this car in March of 1999 owned by a professional photographer in Long Island. He flew out to look at the car in person and then had it inspected. The car had recently been repainted. Also, someone had recently converted the car to SE/M specifications by adding factory wire wheels, a correct factory SE higher compression motor, and better suspension. Everything was found to be in good order, so he purchased the car on March 1st, 1999 and had it shipped back to Southern California.

For the next 6-years, he enjoyed the car for light weekend driving with a couple trips to Monterey for the Pebble Beach weekend. Finally, in 2006, he decided to perform a significant mechanical restoration, which included the following:

Top and bottom engine rebuild complete
Upgraded T-5 5-speed gearbox
Disk brakes (Wildwood) upgrade including dual master cylinder
New Bilstein shocks and all new suspension bushings
Re-spoked wheels/trued and painted
Re-cored radiator
New high torque starter
Modified to spin on oil filter conversion
Electric fan modification
Door locks keyed to ignition
Created complete and accurate tool kit
Repaired fuel gauge
New clutch kit/refinish flywheel
Refinished all the interior wood
New carpet kit and door panels
New fuel tank
Replaced steering wheel with smaller diameter (original included)

The owner's goal was to make this one of the most reliable and nicest driving XK120's out there. Unlike most Jag owners that let their cars sit for months at a time, this owner loved driving this coupe and used it on a regular basis. He frequently serviced it (his son is a knowledgeable Jaguar mechanic) including very regular oil changes. We have a large stack of receipts from all of the work he has done to the car.

Besides driving this Jaguar, the owner also enjoyed showing it. He placed 3rd in D-1 (Driver's Class) at the JCNA's (Jaguar Club of North America) Western States Meet on March of 2010. He also placed 2nd in D-1 at the Jaguar Owner's Club Los Angeles Concours d'Elegance in May of 2015. Finally, he finished 2nd in D-1 at the San Diego Concours d'Elegance in July of 2015, which resulted in a JCNA Regional 2nd place award.

This past May, the owner and his wife participated in the annual Targa California vintage automobile tour. This is a 1,000+ mile/4-day driving event (non-competitive) throughout the central California area. Not only did this XK120 complete the entire tour, it did it flawlessly with zero issues. This is, by far, one of the most drivable, reliable, and proven vintage Jaguars on the market today.

This XK120 FHC is in excellent driver condition. Although the paint is older and not perfect, it still shines up great. There are normal minor signs of use as to be expected on 20+-year-old paint. The refinished wire wheels wear near new correct OEM spec. tires. The interior looks even nicer with minimal signs of wear. The leather is in great shape with no tears or rips. The mouse hair headliner is perfect with no stains as are the door panels and carpet. All the gauges work properly as do the lights and all the switches/controls.

The best part about this example is the way it drives. The added power of the SE motor as well as improved suspension makes it a very competent touring machine. It starts easily with the push of a button. It shifts smoothly and having a full synchro first gear as well as a freeway 5th gear makes it a pleasure especially for long drives. The disc brakes are a huge improvement and give you much better confidence. The engine runs cool and rarely gets hot, especially with the upgraded electric fan with auxiliary control. This is a proven road going example that is turnkey and ready for your next adventure.

California registration is paid through March of 2017. Original 1952 California plates only included if local/CA buyer.

This XK comes with a complete set of correct Jaguar tools, original jack, copper hammer for knock-offs, original tyre pump, correct owner's manual, Jaguar/Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, Year of Manufacturer (YOM) CA 1952 license plates (only for CA buyers), original steering wheel, custom Coco mats, and original front brakes complete (drums, brakes, and hubs).