Description
We last sold this exceptional Jaguar matching numbers Jaguar XK120 OTS back in 2020 and since then its covered 1000 miles of ultra reliable touring. Its recent owner has also spent in the region of £15, 000 taking the car to the next level. This beautiful example was built on the 18th February 1954 and left the factory finished in its current colour Birch Grey. This matching numbers car was supplied new by Hornburg, Los Angeles and first owned by Ignacio Valiente, an Argentinian living in the Orange County. The car is fully Jaguar trust inspected with a verified certificate that confirms the XK retains its original engine, #F 2244-8 and this is interesting being an 8-1 compression engine rather than most other U. S. cars that were 7-1, also the original Gearbox # JL 20869 is still fitted as is the Salisbury axle.
This XK was imported into the UK in 2011 by a Period Jaguar racer, Formula 2 and Sportscar driver, very well known and in many Phillip Porter books. On arrival in the UK it was fully rebuilt using many period modifications such as competition rear axle mounting involving metal inserts on the bushes for the rear lever dampers, slightly lower front suspension, high performance radiator and the engine was fully rebuilt using Mahler pistons and rings, new camshafts, reground crank, new clutch and a fully rebuilt gearbox. In 2018 a further £18000 was spent further enhancing the XK120 even further, this included detailed paintwork, removing the engine and preparing and painting the engine bay and with the engine out it was detailed, a new clutch fitted and a stainless steel six branch manifold and system fitted. The XK was also fitted with brand new sidescreens and a full mohair tonneau cover. Since last changing hands in 2020, new leather bucket seats have been fitted (original type seats still with the car), new Blockley tyres fitted, a new upgraded high performance radiator and thermostatic installed, the cylinder head has been removed, rebuilt/ converted to unleaded and at a cost of over £4000 alone a completely new wiring loom and LED lights installed amongst various other
Having had a body off restoration the chassis is truly outstanding and completely rust free, typical of a South Californian car and has been superbly detailed. The body is exceptional with superb straight panels, impressive gaps and the paint finish is top class with a deep, gleaming finish. The interior and doors have been fully re-trimmed and rebuilt in Black hide as has had the cockpit surround, carpets and a new mohair hood fitted and trimmed. The new bucket seats make a lovely addition but the originals can be re-installed if preferred. The XK120 is fitted with a genuine C-Type steering wheel and superbly trimmed tonneau cover. The door cards are hand made from wood and leather covered with sound proofing and carpet to the pocket, they are beautiful and a substantial bill for this work is provided.
The car drives perfectly with a rebuilt steering box, rebuilt brakes with new linings and shoes and has competed in several events. The engine is perfect holding excellent oil pressure and offers impressive performance. The original Moss gearbox is exceptionally good to use with excellent changes and the car feels quick, responsive and fantastic fun. This is a very special car and will not disappoint, it has been known to us for over six years now and we've supplied the car to its last two, very happy owners.
