2011-02-10 09:35:41 | David Barnett writes:

Advertised in Scotland in 2003, asking "£45,000, Powder Blue"

2011-05-20 08:02:25 | Lofty writes:

Advertised for sale with A1 Classic cars May 2011

Jaguar XK120 Fixed Head Coupe (RHD), 1953
A recent find in Scotland, this rare car has not been on the road for over 20 years and is currently under preparation for the market. With chassis number 669016, it is the 16th RHD, FHC of only 195 made. It has a most interesting history.

It was dispatched on 6th May 1953 to the Far East and after a few years in Kuala Lumpur ended up with Mr C Eames of the British High Commission in Singapore. It was registered in Singapore as SY 457 (photos available) and became well know for its performance in hill climbs, winning several cups. It was also raced on the Thomson Road Grand Prix circuit in the mid-1960's and was reputedly driven by Ron Flockhart on one occasion. The car was fitted with a new engine block (W8188-8) while retaining the original head and up-rated for these events by a C-type camshaft, lowered rear axle ratio (3.54), larger carbs and a lightweight alloy tank, all of which it still has.

It was purchased by Mr James Lockerbie, then a steward of the Singapore Vintage Vehicle Club who had racing linings fitted to both brakes and clutch and a new gearbox. He shipped it back to Britain when he returned in 1975. It was registered as 351 DEL and refurbished over the next 5 years by B J Ward Developments of Basingstoke and then, in 1981, driven by Mr Lockerbie to his home (near A1 Classic Cars) in Gifford, East Lothian, Scotland where it was occasionally used until 1990. Since then it has been with a car restorer where the engine and body were professionally renovated and the colour returned to its original pastel blue before being laid up. We purchased the car in January and are currently overseeing the total refurbishment of the interior including the leather seats and wood, a full body respray, and mechanical work on the steering and suspension.

The car will be offered for sale in the summer but an early purchase where the buyer could have an input to the refurbishment details of this very special XK120 would be considered.

Price - POA

2011-05-20 12:58:44 | terry mcgrath writes:

would it be possible to get contact details for the seller?

2011-05-22 10:12:17 | pauls writes:

Sellers URL:
www.a1classiccars.co.uk/node/54

2012-09-07 19:57:54 | pauls writes:

Car was at auction 8/12
www.classic-auctions.com/Auctions/08-08-2012-DonningtonPriory-1320/1953JaguarXK1 ...

Auction description:
Lot Number: 27
1953 Jaguar XK120 Fixed Head Coupe
Rare RHD Fixed Head Coupe with period competition history
Not Sold
Reg Number: 351 DEL
Chassis Number: 669016
Engine Number: W8188/8
Cc: 3442
Body Colour: Blue
Trim Colour: Blue
MOT ExpiryDate: March 2013

Recently awakened from a 20 year slumber in Scotland, the XK120 on offer is understood to have been the 16th of only 195 Fixed Head Coupes equipped with right-hand drive, and its interesting history is recorded in some detail in 'The Jaguar XK120 in the Southern Hemisphere' by Elmgreen and McGrath (2009). It was despatched to the Far East on May 6th 1953 and, following a few years in Kuala Lumpur, became the property of a C. Eames Esq. of the British High Commission in Singapore. He equipped the engine with C-Type camshafts, changed the car's colour from Pastel Blue to British Racing Green and competed with it before selling it to James Lockerbie OBE, who was then a Steward of the Singapore Vintage Vehicle Club. The latter fitted the XK with a new gearbox, lower axle ratio (3.54:1), larger carburettors, competition brake linings and alloy fuel tank, all of which it retains to this day. The Jaguar, then registered 'SY 457' became known for its results in sprints and hillclimbs and on the Thompson Road Grand Prix circuit with Lockerbie at the wheel, and was even reputedly driven by Le Mans-winner Ron Flockhart on one occasion.

In 1975, Lockerbie repatriated the Jaguar via Southampton, registered it '351 DEL' and had it made roadworthy by B J Ward Developments of Basingstoke before driving it to his home in East Lothian. Used occasionally until 1990, it was then committed to a restoration that progressed as far as some engine refurbishment, body repairs and a respray in its original colour of Pastel Blue before stalling. This caused the car to be stored until 2010, when it was unearthed by A1 Classic Cars LLP. They: treated it to body upgrades and a further respray; fitted new upholstery woodwork, headlining and carpets; and retuned the engine. This delightful Jaguar of interesting provenance is now being sold complete with a copy of the aforementioned book, workshop manual, general documentation, new MOT and a selection of its competition cups.

2014-01-23 19:38:48 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 2/14
www.silverstoneauctions.com/1953-jaguar-xk120-fixedhead-coupe-3066

Auction description:
Race Retro & Classic Car Sale
1953 Jaguar XK120 Fixedhead Coupe with Period Competition History
Lot No.: TBA
Registration: 351 DEL
Chassis Number: 669016
Engine Number: W8188/8
Year of Manufacture: 1953
Estimate (£): 80,000 - 90,000

Offered here is a stunning Jaguar XK120 with a fascinating history that links it directly to Ecurie Ecosse's victory at Le Mans in 1956. In May 1953, this car was despatched from the factory to Singapore and raced by Charles Eames, a keen amateur driver and member of the British High Commission. He continued to update the engine as parts became available and naturally changed the colour from factory Pastel Blue to British Racing Green. It was campaigned throughout the Fifties and was eventually sold in 1961 to Sir James Lockerbie OBE, a former benefactor of the Ecurie Ecosse race team, and now steward of the Singapore Vintage Vehicle Club. Development continued and the now registered 'SU 457' Jaguar won numerous events with Lockerbie now President of the Singapore Motor Club.

In 1961, Ron Flockhart - a very competent aviator - was preparing for an attempt on the record flight time from Sydney to London in a WWII Mustang. As a former schoolmate and Ecurie Ecosse team sponsor, Lockerbie and Flockhart had remained friends. It is believed that during his preparations for his solo attempt on the record Flockhart had stayed with the Lockerbie's in Singapore and competed in two events in 'SU 457'. These were the Thompson Road Grand Prix and the Gap Hill Climb, which would later be won by Lockerbie in February 1962. In April 1962 Ron Flockhart perished when his Mustang crashed in Australia during preparations for his record attempt.

James Lockerbie OBE returned to Scotland and shipped the car to Southampton where it duly arrived in 1975 (shipping docs available). It was then registered in the UK as 351 DEL and placed for refurbishment with B J Ward Developments of Basingstoke who made it roadworthy (MoT and tax disc in documentation) and in 1981 it was driven by James to his home in Gifford near A1 Classic Cars, East Lothian, Scotland. It was used locally on occasions until 1990. By then it needed more thorough renovation and the car was partially restored locally including engine refurbishment, bodywork repairs and re-painting in its original Pastel Blue. However the renovation was not completed and the car lay as a project for some years until it was found by A1 Classic Cars LLP in January 2010. It was then partially completed with a new interior including leather, carpets, woodwork and headlining, some bodywork upgrades, a full re-spray. Once adopted by our vendor the XK was painstakingly finished to the exceptional standard we see today.

Finished in factory Pastel Blue with blue leather, this historic XK120 is a very unspoiled example that retains much of its originality. Many of the original tuning parts and modifications are present and it even has the same alloy fuel tank. Uniquely, period trophies come with the car, which completes the marriage and the history of this period racer. The past history of this Jaguar XK120 and further investigation is surely a must for a new owner. These cars were renowned for their touring abilities and the prospect of increased power and handling makes this a remarkable car in itself. A true investment with an immense sense of ownership given the history involved.

2014-07-14 18:55:36 | pauls writes:

Lot 350

2017-02-01 00:03:12 | Kenny Gibson writes:

Looking to contact the owner of this car if possible???

2020-03-26 08:02:31 | alistair writes:

if the current owner of this car cares to contact me i could fill in some gaps in history/information and memorobilia for the car.