2008-05-11 08:06:36 | pauls writes:

Ebay item 5/11/08
cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jaguar-XK-120-OTS-Roadster-1950-Jaguar-XK120-Roadster-OT ...
Current bid $7,960, no reserve, 18 bids. 6 days left in auction. 37k miles.

Sellers description:
1950 Jaguar XK 120 Roadster. Also Known as an OTS (Open Two Seater). This is one of the first steel-bodied XK 120s made and this particular car has something special. It's been fitted with a Ford 302 for power, but every consideration for a clean and proper install was taken. The original motor mounts are still in place, and I can't find anything that was cut or altered to get the Ford motor in place. With that being said, I have access to an original Jaguar inline 6 drivetrain for $3500 if the winning bidder is interested. Or, just enjoy the car with the V-8- as I would.

This car does not need a restoration to be enjoyed. It does, however, need the overheating issue sorted out. Best case scenario- redo the radiator to cool more efficiently. Worse case- head gasket or motor rebuild. The motor swap was done properly and the car looks stock with the hood closed- a real sleeper. It was last driven in 2003 and was parked when it started running hot- possibly because the original Jaguar radiator couldn't cool the V-8. It handled and stopped great and was FAST with that 302. The body is steel and the doors, hood, and trunk lid are aluminum. The wheels are 16" chrome spoke Jaguar rims with knockoffs and a spoked spare rim is included in the trunk. The chrome rims and chrome bumpers will look great when polished up. The tires are Columbia Classic whitewalls and still have plenty of life left in them. The body seems very solid and I see no signs rust or damage other than a small dent behind the passenger side bumper and a few dings here and there, but overall, a beautiful car that actually shines up pretty well.

Other than the drivetrain, this is a very original and complete vintage British sports car that goes for well over $100K when finished. The windshield is in remakable shape. The tailight housings are very nice and all badges and trim are intact with the exception of one tailight ring and one headlight ring. The original steering wheel and horn button are present also. The white seats aren't torn and will clean up nicely, but the red carpet should be replaced, as it's pretty faded. The seat frames are nice and fold smoothly. There is a old tape player hanging by a bolt from the bottom of the dash- not my idea of a sound system, and there are speakers mounted under the dash. Grille has surface rust and is missing a tooth. Even the original folding top mechanism is nicely tucked away behind the seats. Gauges are original Smiths items and are beautiful. Dash mirror is also there and seems to be original. Mileage stated may be incorrect.

Obviously, this car needs some tinkering, but here's your chance to own one of the most desirable vintage sports cars ever built. This car will only appreciate in value every year!

2008-05-11 19:22:12 | Peter Ingram writes:

This chassis number is nearer the last steel 120 Roadster than the first. Built 1954 February not 1950

2008-05-12 05:16:47 | Rob writes:

Who would have thought a V8 conversion would have cooling problems. What a shock. Seems like it needs about $100K to go for $100K, alas.

2008-07-17 00:18:33 | Docc writes:

The "puller" fan is blocking air flow to radiator. My SBC 120 (SCCA C/M racer converted in 1956) runs a 350/375HP with alum radiator and puller fan. In southern Arizona in summer it runs 185-190*

2008-07-17 00:21:05 | Docc writes:

correction..PUSHER FAN is blocking..