2011-11-11 09:15:51 | Michael Scott writes:

This car is offered for auction at H & H Auctions England on 7 December 2011. It has a competition history when in the ownership of Walter GRANT-NORTON, having competed in the Alpine Rally 1951, 52, and 53. It also took part in the London Rally 1952 and the RAC Rally 1953. It was the subject of an article in Classic and Sportscar magazine March 2011.

2011-12-10 22:10:26 | pauls writes:

Additional description from above auction:

www.classic-auctions.com/Auctions/07-12-2011-ThePavilionGardens-1294/1951JaguarX ...

Lot Number: 72

1951 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

Sold For £133,200

Reg Number: PPE 101

Chassis Number: 660643

Engine Number: W2935-8

Cc: 3442

Body Colour: O.E.W.

Trim Colour: Black

MOT ExpiryDate: Aug 2012

Sold for GBP 133.2k

A steel-bodied right-hand drive Roadster, 'PPE 101' was manufactured at Jaguar's Foleshill factory on January 25th 1951 and supplied new the following month to Mrs N Grant-Norton by Weybridge Automobiles, Weybridge, who were allocated it by Henlys, London. It was finished in traditional Old English White and trimmed in Biscuit and Tan. Mrs Grant-Norton had generously purchased the 120 for her son Walter, and barely four months later he was to be found campaigning it in the Alpine rally, alongside the already famous 'NUB 120'. Appleyard cruised his car to a second consecutive victory, while Grant-Norton achieved a creditable 14th overall and 5th-in-class. With a degree of unofficial Works support Grant-Norton and 'PPE 101' contested the 1952 and 1953 Alpine rallies too, though these attempts were cut short by a broken rear spring and back axle problems respectively.

Grant-Norton was rewarded with a Team prize in the 1952 London Rally for bringing 'PPE 101' home alongside co-pilots 'Gentleman Jack' Sears and Carl Richardson. By now well known to Ian and Pat Appleyard ('PPE 101' ran against 'NUB 120' on the 1951 and 1952 Alpine Rallies and against 'RUB 120' on the 1953 event), he was also one of three XK120 drivers chosen to represent Jaguar on the 1953 RAC Rally; his teammates on this occasion being Appleyard ('NUB 120') and Frank Ground ('LOE 3'). Finishing in 1st, 8th and 14th places, the trio secured a welcome Team award for the Coventry manufacturer. Such was the level of interest this aroused, that Corgi produced a commemorative model set of the victorious XK120 equipe.

Having passed through the hands of Ronald Newboult and Anthony Preston during the late 1950s, the Roadster was then acquired by the Barker family as a showpiece for the Midlands Motor Museum in 1974. After an extensive restoration, 'PPE 101' resumed its competition career during 1983. A veteran of countless historic events including no less than seven Classic Marathons, the Welsh International Rally and a couple of RAC events, 'PPE 101' has clocked up a mighty impressive 40,000 plus competition miles over the last twenty-eight years.

Still finished in Old English White, the Jaguar is these days trimmed in Black leather, but otherwise remains highly original aside from a few upgrades to assist its general reliability and latterday competition exploits. Retaining its original cylinder block, the engine is equipped with 'fast road' camshafts, alternator in place of the dynamo, modern pre-engaged starter motor and electric cooling fan. The bonnet has a safety chain and the radiator a quick-release filler cap and, of particular interest to those above average height, the car nowadays has a smaller three-spoke steering wheel in place of the normal 17-inch Bakelite one, thus creating valuable knee room for those long in the leg. A recent H&H test by a 6ft 2in member of staff showed the Jaguar to be on the button and well mannered whether in traffic or eating up the open road.

The unquestioned provenance of 'PPE 101' is such that it is potentially eligible for such prestigious events as the Mille Miglia Storica, Goodwood Revival (it competed there during the 1953 RAC Rally) and the Le Mans Classic. The Roadster is offered complete with expired FIA HVIF papers as well as: a sizeable history file containing continuation buff log book, V5C, MOT into August 2012, Heritage Certificate, photos and cuttings - including a copy of a four-page feature on the car published in the March 2010 edition of Classic & Sports Car. As a former team mate to the immortal 'NUB 120', 'PPE 101' is without doubt one of the most historically important XK120s to come to market in recent years.

2020-07-25 09:24:40 | Twyford Moors writes:

PPE 101 is currently available for sale at Twyford Moors Classic Cars. Please follow the link for more information: jagxk.com/showroom/jaguar/jaguar-xk120-ots-rhd-1951-extensive-ra