Jaguar is responsible for some of the most memorable cars ever produced. It's no coincidence that the brand's designs tend to age gracefully. And it's no coincidence that well-preserved Jaguars always find a dedicated group of fans that are ready and willing to pay top dollar for their favorite vintage. There has been a recent uptick in European cars and if this trend has piqued your interest, this Jaguar is worth a look.
For consignment, a stunner in the beautiful form of a Jaguar XK120 from 1954. This car is in spectacular condition, the beneficiary of a frame off restoration, has nicely presenting paint with a few flaws down low, chrome, and a pristine leather interior. It is all buttoned up and is definitely a turnkey classic that will most likely continue to increase in value.
Exterior
Super straight steel that has spent some serious time on an English wheel, all forms together to make this centerfold of a car. With its small vertical oval grille, to the bug eye headlights which gracefully melt into the fenders, and the extreme V shaped hood and all bathed in very nice red paint, we do note some cracking of the paint down low on the body. Low slung doors melt into the curved rear fenders which flank a wonderfully curved to almost a point rear deck. The side view of this car is a killer, and the body matching red wheel coverings with a chrome ring and center framed by black wall tires are simply classic and classy. One top is a tan canvas top which when in the up position, gives the car a completely different look. A clear plastic rear window offers up plenty of view to the back of this car. A shout out to the trim, bumpers and badging as it presents as near perfect. The front has split bumpers that curve with the lines of the car, and on the rear are vertical push bars.
Interior
There is nothing more comfortable than the overstuffed bucket seats. They have tuck and roll inserts and smooth bolsters, and a wonderful patina of light usage that time can only render. All in beautiful tan, these seats are simply put, luxurious with their low backs joining in the center. Just looking the door panels over, it is amazing the undulating curves that are going on with the tan leather panels interacting with the metal doors. Having a go by sitting inside and peering at the beautiful tan leather angled boxed dash, complete with Smiths blackface gauges, it is just a beautiful sight. The original steering wheel fronts this dash and has a super neat 3D Jaguar face in the center. Tan plush carpet covers the floors and shows in very clean condition.
Drivetrain
Under the long hood is an equally long 3.4 liter DOHC inline 6 cylinder that runs well but may need some carburetor adjustment. It is fed fossils and air by 2 SU H6 carburetors and is attached to a 4-speed manual transmission. Noted Lucas electrics are in like new condition which is exactly how you'd desire these components...new!
Undercarriage
Some surface rust, but a solid structural steel frame painted black toes up most of this space. Independent torsion bar front suspension is on, and leaf springs provide the ride for the rear. Drum brakes are all around, and old-style headers and a clean stock exhaust works lots way rearward.
Drive-Ability
A push of the starter button and the engine immediately comes to life. It has a wonderful purr (note it's a Jaguar!). Off we go for our tool around the Classic Auto Mall acreage, and we get a nice smooth ride, good acceleration, and responsive steering all be it from the large wheel. All functions were tip top, and from the let out of the clutch it was chip chip cheerio and all that rot!
Simply put a great example with all the right restoration moves performed. Good paint, mechanically excellent, and interior as good as it gets with its gracefully aged leather seats and leather covered dash. Nice lines form this 1954 Jag rolling art piece which has had some maintenance work recently done with receipts.