2010-07-20 07:49:35 | pauls writes:

Ebay item 7/20/10
cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jaguar-XK-120-Conv-1953-Jaguar-XK120-George-Barris-Barry ...
Current bid $16,100 reserve not met, 6 bids 5 days left in auction.

Sellers description:
1953 Jaguar XK120 DHC by George Barris Custom Period Built One-off for Barry Goldwater

George Barris, the "King of the Kustomizers", best known for his Batmobile and other custom cars for TV, celebrities, car collectors and auto shows, is THE icon in the custom built automobile arena. His creations were used in TV-the Munster's car, Beverly Hillbillies, and Knight Rider. He Also modified cars for Elvis Presley, John Wayne and many other celebrities.

When Barry Goldwater approached Barris to build him a car, George was more than happy to accommodate him. Although several books, and even George himself refer to the car as being an XK140, it is actually an XK120. Note the picture of a well pleased Barry Goldwater with his new toy shortly after taking delivery.

Considered by many to be one of Barris' best, this super cool Jaguar XK120 Drophead has surprisingly remained buried from public view for decades. Recently discovered languishing in a Southern California shop, it is unveiled here and offered for sale for the first time in over 20 years. An absolutely beautiful piece, it combines the elements of period anglo design harmoniously with the original William Lyons penned lines.


According to George, the fabrication was done by his brother Sam. The workmanship was impeccable. "Frenched" in headlights set in '53 Buick style fender peaks, a custom grill, and a modified Chevy bumper adorned the front. The original modified front bumper is present and in excellent shape.

The rear was modified with a shortened trunk, continental spare, '53 Buick style fenders and a narrowed Cadillac bumper. The dashboard is awesome....since Barry was an aeronautics aficionado, he had George fit an aluminum dash panel with the stock center cluster and nine extra gauges, all from airplanes. There's probably a fortune in vintage airplane gauges here, some of which are nondescript and of unknown function............but one thing's for sure-you can see how high you're flying!

The original matching numbers 6 cylinder Dual Overhead Cam 3.5 Litre engine is present and intact. No attempt has been made to start it, although it turns freely and would likely be easily brought back to life.

As mentioned earlier this is an XK120 Drophead Coupe. This is the original factory stamped data plate. The following photos will attest to the heritage of this classic and will show the matching numbers.

Cylinder head number matches the block number.

The body is incredibly straight, never having suffered a serious accident.

The razor sharp lines have never been compromised by damage.

Amazingly, the leather gaiters are still on the springs. Note the custom, non-Jaguar gas tank.

There are no seats with the car, although we believe they were stock Jaguar items. The glass (windshield and door) is missing and would be standard Jaguar pieces. The original top frame is intact and complete.

The line of holes at the top of each fender is where a small strip of clear Lucite was attached. It was lit by small bulbs in each of the little scoops just forward of the holes.

Here is a wonderful car, easily restored and very rare-it's the only one....And it's got everything going for it- high performance hemi head, DOHC 210hp straight six Jaguar powerplant, wire wheels, superb good looks and driveability. If you have ever wanted a truly unique chance to own a famous and important piece of automobile history, this is it. Now is the time to be not just "the only one on the block", but the ONLY ONE ON THE PLANET with such a car......There are two kinds of people in this world. There are those that jump at opportunity and ones that let opportunity pass them by. Which one are you?

2010-07-27 07:13:40 | pauls writes:

Car returns to ebay 7/27/10
cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jaguar-XK-120-Conv-1953-Jaguar-XK120-George-Barris-Barry ...
Current bid $15,639 reserve not met, 6 bids 5 days left in auction.

Previous auction ended at $22,600 reserve not met after 11 bids.

2011-02-20 23:53:06 | pauls writes:

Car returns to ebay 2/20/11 cgi.ebay.ca/Jaguar-XK120-Barris-/220742716593 Current bid $3,149 reserve not met, 2 bids 6 days left in auction. Same description and location as above.

2011-04-06 10:42:41 | pauls writes:

Car returns to ebay 4/6/11
cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jaguar-XK120-DHC-One-Off-Barris-Body-Barry-Goldwater-/36 ...
Current bid $5,655.55 reserve not met, 3 bids 6 days left in auction.

Previous auction ended at $21,155.54 after 39 bids.