2008-10-08 08:05:24 | pauls writes:

Ebay item 10/8/08
cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jaguar-X-Type-XK120-1953-Jaguar-XK120-Fixed-Head-Coupe_W ...
Opening bid $25,000, no reserve, no bids yet, 6 days left in auction.

Sellers description:
1953 Jag XK120 FIXED HEAD COUPE

Chassis: S 679985
VIN: W58378S
I bought this car with the hope of doing a complete restore of the previous owners restoration. Personally, I owned my first 1953 XK120 in High School. But I wrecked it and, not knowing enough about the mechanics or the Lucas wiring, got rid of it and regretted it ever since.

The XK120 is a rare find of the exotic sports cars in America today. Usually they are a rust bucket or a fiberglass replica, but rarely do you find them with the original body parts of an aluminum hood and deck lids. However, I found this car about 4 years ago and have put a lot into it with the hope of it being totally restored. I had planned to take the time to build the original Jag-type six cylinder engine and transmission but chose the power train modification for the immediate enjoyment. (Although I do not have the original engine and transmission, I do have another 4.2 liter engine and transmission that could be rebuilt and is available for purchase separately). The previous owner had done some good things but he installed a standard 302 C.I. Ford engine. He also created a makeshift dash full of non-standard gauges, and the wheels were makeshift spoke.

As for my restoration, I put on all-new spoke wheels and new whitewall radial tires. I reworked the suspension, restored all new bushings, and added front disc brakes with all Jag original parts. I replaced the engine and transmission with a new Ford COBRA style 342 C.I. stroker engine built with AFR aluminum heads and a full roller intake and exhaust valve system. The exhaust is a new Basset Jag dual exhaust except where it hooks up to motor, but everything from the engine back is set up for the Jag engine. I also installed a new Mallory electronic distributor, an Edelbrock intake, and a 4-barrel carb with a new TFR automatic Street Fighter transmission. As for the interior, the new bright red leather upholstery is flawless and there is an all-new authentic burlwood dash with a finish like a piano (I have extra wood for other trim pieces). The Gauges are original. In addition, you will see in the engine compartment I installed a special radiator with a cooling fan to fit and cool the High Performance Ford engine, with a new Jag overflow expansion tank that I ordered directly from England. There are still a few items remaining that need to be changed in order to complete a full restoration to authentic Jaguar.

In order to install the new Ford engine and transmission nothing was cut or modified except the transmission tunnel top where the shifter lever comes through. The other modification was to install a brake pedal with a twin master cylinder that is similar to Guy Broad Jag racing unit. The original mileage is unknown but the new engine has only 5-10 miles on it.

This car can be driven now and admired as a showpiece performer or you can change the drive train very easily back to original Jaguar. The body is perfect with an old English white paint job.

This car is a beauty.

2008-10-09 11:14:12 | Peter Ingram writes:

Another car 681166 has this same registration (license) number XK 120 FH !!!!!!!!!!