2008-12-28 11:37:47 | pauls writes:

Car was at auction 12/08
www.bonhams.com/cgi-bin/public.sh/pubweb/publicSite.r

Auction description:
An export model despatched new to Hoffman's in the USA, this XK120 was purchased as a restoration project over 20 years ago by the vendor, who spent several years sourcing genuine original parts for overhaul/renovation before commencing the rebuild. The project was entrusted to one of his family's group of companies, A E Ledger Coachworks, a firm respected for the high quality of its work both in restoration and accident reinstatement, which has produced a number of concours winners. A E Ledger Coachworks was briefed to carry out a full bare-chassis concours restoration to original condition (but with conversion to right-hand drive) on a cost-no-object basis for the purpose of entering such competitions. Its owner's intention was to keep the car for life once completed. The engine was despatched to Les Trafford of Trafford Competition Engines for a complete rebuild including carburettors, distributor, etc. On completion the engine was run on a dynamometer before a final torque check of all nuts, bolts etc. It was filled with special running-in oil that was drained at 200 miles and the filter changed. (The car has only covered some 150 miles since). Twigger Overdrive Services completely overhauled the gearbox. A new clutch assembly with a new cross-shaft and release bearing was fitted and the propshaft overhauled with new universal joints. The rear axle was checked and found to be in good condition, needing no further attention or adjustment other than an oil change and new seals. The road springs were sent to Sperry Springs for re-tempering, and when refitted were lubricated and fitted with new leather gaiters. On completion of the bodywork, the vehicle was taken to Mick Turley of MCT Jaguar Restorations for a complete re-trim including hood, tonneau cover, etc; four hides being assessed before one was deemed acceptable for the job. Mick was also extremely helpful in sourcing other parts e.g. the rear hood bar (important to have an original) and an original chromed surround for the rear window. All instruments, headlamps, etc were sent to Vintage Restorations for complete overhaul and re-chroming as necessary. Some switches were renewed, but Lucas Service UK was able to supply some new items to original specification and others under original part numbers such as the headlamp dip switch, coil etc. The dynamo and starter motor were overhauled by Arun Electrical Repair Co, again specialists in their field. Guy Broad was another helpful source of parts, managing to find an original bonnet 'growler' motif as well as all new brake parts, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, pipes, clips, grommets, steering ball joints and a host of minor parts. Coventry Auto Components supplied a number of remanufactured items including the heater unit, jack and some spanners (others are original). All body panels were supplied by John Brown of Leaping Cats and were then carefully fettled, fitted and finished by A E Ledger Coachworks. For the difficult (almost impossible) items, Tom Kent was extremely helpful in locating original components such as the hood frame (none of the pattern ones seemed to work as well), instruments, etc. The electrics were farmed out by Twyford Moors Classic Cars Ltd, who installed a new loom remanufactured using original materials and fitted and wired all components, dismantling many switches, etc to improve operation and reliability. All chromium plating was undertaken by A C F Howell using the correct three-stage process. Certain improvements have been made: the exhaust is stainless steel, while the windscreen washer is an electrical E-Type unit and therefore more practical than an original vacuum type. After completion in 2005 the first trip was to enter the Jaguar XK National Concours in which the car took the XK120 Cup despite losing points for being trailered to the event, having a non-original finish (Jaguar Amethyst Blue) and not having all the tools and the instruction manual! (A full set of tools and a manual are now with it). '146 UXL' has covered only 360-or-so miles since restoration and has never been driven in the rain. The car rides and drives superbly and looks absolutely original. Sadly, although both proud and delighted with the final result, the vendor has discovered that he is too tall to drive it safely and comfortably for more than a few miles at a time, which is to say the least extremely disappointing and the reason for sale. In total, the cost of this 15-year restoration has exceeded �125,000 and at today's prices would probably cost around �140,000. The car comes with all restoration invoices, a photographic record of the work, a full set of tools (many original but some manufactured to original specification), an original service manual/handbook and a made-to-measure cover. It is taxed and MoT'd until August 2009, possesses a Swansea V5 and is ready to drive away. A better-restored XK120 is unlikely to be found anywhere.

Auction Important Collectors' Motor Cars
Bonhams, Olympia, London
Type Car
Lot Number 637
Estimate £70000-£80000
Outcome NOT SOLD
Hammer Price -
Hammer Price (inc premium) -
Year 1951
Condition rating 0
Registration number 146 UXL
Mileage -
Chassis number 671601
Engine number W3672-8