Fantasy Junction

Description

1954 Jaguar XK120 OTS

Chassis No. – 675583
Engine No. – F3141-8
Exterior Color – Black
Interior Color – Tan Leather
Engine – 3.4 Liter in-line six cylinder
Transmission – 5-speed manual
Current Miles – 11,882 miles (TMU)
Current Owner – Purchased in 2003

General History


Just three years after the end of World War II, Jaguar revealed the XK120. With wartime austerity still impacting much of the UK, the XK120 caused quite a stir. With its stunning styling, sophisticated mechanical specification, and unapologetic performance, the XK120 was nothing short of a revelation. The elegant and sporty XK120 not only boosted morale among the weary UK population, it demonstrated to the world that Britain had both the technical capacity and design excellence to deliver a beautiful performance car.


Although originally intended to be a concept car showcasing Jaguar’s remarkable new twin-cam inline 6-cylinder engine, the breathtaking styling and genuine 120 mph performance of the XK120, coupled with an affordable price, captured the imagination of the world. Sales were so strong that Jaguar had to reengineer the car for mass production to meet the significant demand. This effort not only improved output, it also allowed Jaguar to expand their market share exporting to North America and other parts of the world. The XK120 set new standards of comfort, handling, and performance for British sports cars. There was nothing that could touch the XK120 at the remarkably affordable price.

History of this Jaguar XK 120



This car was purchased by the current owner in 2003 and has been driven sparingly over the past 20 years. Over the past five years, extensive services and important modifications have been professionally performed under current ownership.

In 2022 the car was extensively serviced at Vintage Auto Service, Oakland, CA including the installation of a clutch kit, a new lower chain, a new lithium battery, and damper rebuild. In 2023 the car returned to Vintage Auto Service for a comprehensive engine rebuild. During this time, the engine was removed, freeze plugs were removed and cooling passages flushed, cams removed, cams and tappet skirts polished, timing chain adjusted, new pistons installed, rear seal conversion, new flywheel ring gear, new rod bearings, new engine gaskets, a new timing chain cover, new stainless-steel exhaust was fitted, exhaust manifolds were jet hot treated, new motor mounts installed, and a new aluminum radiator and 16” cooling fan with new thermostat were also installed. Additionally, a new brake master cylinder, new rear wheel brake cylinders, new water pump, new upper and lower ball joints were installed, and a 123-ignition with new wires were also fitted. Completing the engine rebuild, the engine block was repainted, new hose clamps and hoses were installed, and the engine was mated to a 5-speed transmission and installed back in the car.

As work continued through late 2023 and 2024 new Vredestein tires were installed, a new differential pinion seal was installed, carburetors rebuilt, a new clutch lever installed, and an EZ electric power steering system was carefully fitted including modifications to the steering system and column. Suspension improvements included a heavy-duty front sway bar, new front and rear GAZ shock absorbers, new upper shock mounts welded to the frame to support the shock absorber conversion, 8 new polyurethane suspension bushings installed, a new tachometer cable was installed and the speedometer rebuilt.

In 2024 this Jaguar benefited from further enhancements including the installation of two E-Type camshafts, a new gear reduction starter, new rear bumpers, new seatbelts, a new 16”wood rim steering wheel and hub, a new front bumper, new front brake hoses installed, a Dynator alternator installed, and numerous other detailed items addressed totaling over $70,000 invoiced on this Jaguar.

Current Condition and Features

Today this XK120 presents with a handsome combination of enjoyable cosmetics and refined mechanicals which makes it a wonderful car for those who enjoy driving their vintage classic cars. The body is straight with excellent panel fit and operation especially considering the unforgiving black finish. The paint, while older, is glossy and smooth with modest signs of age and fill spots from where the front fender mirrors had formerly been mounted. The front and rear bumper chrome is new, and the car has nicely polished headlight trim, though the taillight housings and windshield frame are both satin finish, albeit consistently so. Emblems and side view mirrors are in excellent condition. A set of Vredestein white wall 185/R16 tires are mounted on steel wheels and trimmed with center caps.


The interior was reupholstered some years ago but has aged well including the tan leather, matching carpets, and tan leather dash. The seats are correctly tailored with proper piping and material, correctly pleated, though now gently relaxed by years of enjoyable driving. The dashboard and gauges are in excellent condition including the rebuilt speedometer. The wood rim steering wheel, switches, gearshift lever, and emergency brake handle are all in very good condition with a few signs of age consistent with the rest of the car’s presentation. The trunk is very much in keeping with the interior, sporting a tidy spare tire storage area, steel wheel spare, and jack.

Under the hood, the engine and engine compartment present in excellent condition with correct components and important upgrades including an aluminum radiator, 123 ignition, E-type cams, electric power steering, and 5-speed transmission. The polished aluminum castings are nicely hued and properly detailed, and correct factory hardware further completes the engine compartment befitting the overall condition. The undercarriage displays sound components, fresh polyurethane suspension bushings, GAZ shock absorbers, stainless-steel exhaust, and correct gator leather wrapping for the new rear suspension leaf springs.

The car starts easily, settles into a smooth idle, and has excellent carburetion. Throttle response is crisp when driven more sportingly with a docile manner when navigating local roads. The E-type cams installed last year are quite effective and work very well with the improved electronic ignition. The 5-speed transmission is very well suited offering higher speed highway driving without stressing the engine. With electric power steering and the added plus of better volume cooling via the aluminum radiator and electric fan, this roadster is ideal for vintage tours, events, and weekend driving trips. Not only are the brakes easy to modulate and operate symmetrically, the steering and improved suspension are very effective, making this car a genuine pleasure to drive. With elegant classic lines and improved driving manners, this XK120 delivers a harmonious driving experience that allows the driver and their fortunate passenger to focus on the pleasures of vintage sports car driving.

Included with this Jaguar

This Jaguar is accompanied by side curtains and support rods, the convertible top (not currently mounted in the car), a battery tender specific to the lithium battery, rear fender spat key, a jack, and copies of recent mechanical service invoices totaling over $70k spent over the past four years.

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.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608