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- Chassis # 679117
- Engine # W 3839-8
- An Early Production FHC With Interesting Features
- Showing Just 30 Miles Since Comprehensive Restoration
- Recently Serviced & Ready For The Concours Circuit
- Offered With Books, Tools, and Restoration Documentation
The Overview
The Jaguar XK120 is a car that came about just in time to give Jaguar that commercial success it needed post-WWII. Though not only for Jaguar, but the sports car world in general. It idolized speed by its very model name, and set the stage for its predecessors well into the 1960’s. While 12,055 examples of the XK120 were produced in 6-years the XK120 saw many different variations until it was replaced by the XK140 in 1955. Offered originally in Aluminum and in roadster format, by 1951 a Fixed Head Coupe’ version was released with more luxurious interior accouterments. FHC production would account for approximately 2,477 cars. While not exactly rare, it is the early examples that provide for the most interesting and unique specimens amongst the Coupe’ versions of the XK120.
The example on offer is just that, an early production FHC finished in Black with a contrasting Biscuit interior. Chassis # 679117 is the 117th FHC produced. According to the JDHT Certificate on file, this example was produced on October 11th, 1951. Destined for its original selling dealer, George Motor Co of Honolulu, Hawaii via Jaguar distributor Hornburg of Los Angeles, CA. While exact early history is not known we do know that the vendor acquired the car in the late 1980’s. By 1992 it was sent to noted restorer Steve Helms of Classic Motorcars in Reading, PA. The restoration entailed a total strip to an absolute bare shell. Metal work was completed as needed and component restoration was carried out as detailed in the accompanying restoration photos and receipts. The restoration was put on hold over the years, but was finally complete in 2004/2005.
Chassis # 679117 has a mere 30 miles on the odometer since the completion of the restoration. Never shown, barely driven beyond heat cycles and sorting miles. As an early example it has many unique features to early production XK120 FHC’s. Such as the windshield chrome, trim, various interior knobs/handles and pulls that are chrome rather than the later Bakelite type plastic found in later cars. In the engine bay one can find stud less cam covers. As well as wiring harness routing in the engine bay which is also unique to early XK120’s. All of the little things that matter to an early car were paid attention to. Down to the minutest detail to ensure correctness and accuracy.
Today the car resembles a restored example with high marks of correctness and little in the way of flaws. It is an opportunity for anyone looking to add a centerpiece to their collection, win at JCNA events, or enjoy the many concours that this example is welcome to. Included in the sale are restoration records/photos, tools, jack, spare, air pump, JDHT Certificate and original data tag.
The Details
exterior
body and paint
The body is straight with excellent gaps and panel fitment throughout. Straight and tight door gaps, bonnet gap and trunk gap. Excellent craftsmanship in terms of fitment and finish to the panels. The paint is consistently nice throughout with only one or two very minor issues noted. Such as the headlight buckets, where in the right light the outline of the buckets are noticeable at their bonding points to the body by ever so slightly lifted areas. A flaw that unless you study the car under the right circumstances would not be found to most people inspecting the car. A small paint blemish on the bottom of the trunk, on the corner is present. As well as a minute scratch on the inside of the A-post next to the chrome trim.
glass and trim
All of the correct early XK120 trim is present, as well as all other trim. The windshield glass is not original to the car, nor are the door glass with the exception of front 1/4 windows. All other glass (or plastic, for the rear window) is of a later type.
wheels
The wheels are without fault, nicely chromed and presenting as new including the "spinners".
interior
seats and surfaces
The interior appears flawless with nearly no use or signs of use. Everything is clean, correct, and new throughout with no inconsistencies noted.
functionality and accessories
All of the accessories appear to be in correct working order with the exception of the windshield wipers. Though that could be a result of needing a fuse or minor sorting.
engine bay and trunk
engine bay
Showing as totally restored with no issues noted beyond further detailing for show purposes if desired.
trunk area
Correct Materials with accessories present, no flaws noted.
mechanicals
engine
The engine starts easily, runs smooth and strong indicating good oil pressure and no overheating occurring during a short test drive. No obvious issues noted, some minor leaks(s) coming from the oil pan area, typical but nothing alarming.
transmission
The 4-speed "Moss Box" shifts normally, sounds normal and does not have any noted issues during operation.
brakes and suspension
The brakes and suspension feel tight, and are quiet on all four corners during a short test drive.
tires
The tires are Dunlop Road Speed RS5's. While they have been on the car for many years, they are still mostly supple with no visible cracking and full tread life. Ideal for concours, but potentially an item to consider changing if frequent and hard road use will occur.
driving experience
With a mere 000,032 miles on the odometer, there are still many miles that need to be attributed to the odometer in order to discover post-restoration flaws. At a first glance and drive, the car has no noted issues. Everything works well as intended. Easy to start, runs well, holds great temperature and oil pressure and shifts fine through the gear and comes to a stop when desired. This is a freshly restored car that today is as close to new as it can get, though with miles added will get better as minor hidden kinks will need to be worked out, as with any restoration.