2009-01-25 20:34:09 | pauls writes:

Car offered at:
www.historicclassics.com/cars/56-jaguar-xk120-john-may-speciale.html

Sellers description:
colour Blue
interior colour Grey
drive LHD
type Coupe
year 1953
price 165.000 GBP
VAT No
country United Kingdom
John May is recognised as the leading developer of, and authority on the Jaguar XK120.

This 1953 fixed-head was a bespoke commission to create the ultimate XK120 suitable for high speed distance touring, and has been beautifully executed in every detail. Every aspect of the Jaguar has been upgraded to the peak of what is possible, during a process that was fully documented by Paul Skilleter, the Jaguar Historian and was featured in Jaguar World in November 2005.

The 3.8 litre straight six XK engine has a gas-flowed straight port cylinder head with special cams and twin 2" SU carburettors. With a late Jaguar 5 speed gearbox, it provides both ample power and the smooth delivery that would be expected of such an extraordinary creation.To fulfill the criteria set by the commission, the suspension has been completely reworked with modern dampers and enhanced spring rates and bushings.

A lifetime of experience with the XK120 is also evident in the changes to the geometry, and the set up is quite perfect. Rack and pinion steering has been incorporated, and the chassis as a whole has been significantly enhanced to increase rigidity, with servo assisted disc brakes also fitted.

The bodywork is perhaps the most visually obvious enhancement. From any angle this XK120 just looks superb, taking as it does styling cues from the 1951 Jaguar LT Le Mans racing car around the doors and bonnet, increasing stiffness and also access to the engine bay.

Inside, legroom has been increased to allow the much taller driver to cover long distances in comfort. Every internal feature has been carefully crafted to enhance the pleasure of driving such an iconic Jaguar, including modern pedal mechanics and even cup holders - carefully hidden behind a burr oak veneer.

Complete with a period style radio with modern features and the fitted matching hide luggage in the trunk, this is truly an 'one-off' example offering a refined, practical and exquisitely detailed experience at every level.

2015-06-21 14:39:52 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 6/15
www.bonhams.com/auctions/22723/lot/363/

Auction description:
Lot 363
c.1952 Jaguar XK120 SE Coupé
Registration no. USU 958 Chassis no. S680125 Engine no. W6171-8S
£150,000 - 180,000
US$ 240,000 - 290,000
Auction 22723:
The Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale
Collector's Motor Cars and Automobilia
26 Jun 2015 14:00 BST
Chichester, Goodwood

This wonderful example of Jaguar's legendary 1950s sports car has undergone a ground-upwards restoration and re-engineering by XK specialist John May of Tewkesbury. It has been modified to create an exclusive grand tourer for use in modern road conditions, incorporating chassis strengthening and sympathetic changes to the bodywork and lighting, resulting in a more refined look. Similarly, the 'Belle Epoque' interior has been designed for more comfort and legroom, and features unique burr oak woodwork and a steering wheel hand-made exclusively for this car. The mechanicals have also been upgraded to include a 3.8-litre engine, five-speed gearbox, rack-and-pinion steering and disc brakes.

The car features a shortened, louvred bonnet; grille incorporated in the body; doors shortened to the level of the floor; sills extended to be flush with the wings; and a shortened boot lid with the lower section hinged to access the spare wheel. The rear lights have contoured into the widened rear wings; front wing air vents removed and a new integrated fresh air system incorporated. The front side lamps are now incorporated in the headlamps, and there are scoops on the front air intakes and extractor vents on the rear wings. Other noteworthy features include Biarritz Blue paintwork; flashing indicators inset in the bumpers; battery compartment built into the front wing; chrome trim to the bonnet and sills; up-rated windscreen wipers with two-speed motor; and a 'Le Mans' style fuel filler cap.

Taken from an XK120 prototype, the dashboard rail features integrated lights while the dashboard itself is deeper and curved, featuring D-Type style instruments with warning light cluster in front of the driver. The wood-rim steering wheel is embellished with mother-of-pearl inlay. Enhanced driver/passenger comfort is ensured by the up-rated heater matrix with two-speed motor and ducted fresh air system, while the provision of a bulkhead pedal box accommodates drivers as tall as 6' 4". The grey, leather-trimmed bucket seats feature lumbar support, while other interesting interior details include 'SS'-style sunburst door pockets, a cocktail cabinet between the seats, and leather map pockets on the rear bulkhead. There are interior courtesy lights on the roof, dashboard and for the rear bulkhead area, and even the eyes of the Jaguar badge in the dashboard centre illuminate!

The chassis has been seam-welded and reinforced, and the steering and suspension geometry modified. Koni telescopic shock absorbers are fitted all round and 'anti-tramp' bars at the rear. An XK150 steering has been fitted also, complete with a fabricated top column, which is adjustable, and the braking system up-rated to discs all round with a 3:1 servo. The wheels are 6"x15" centre laced chrome wires shod with 205/70VR15 tyres.

The 3.8-litre engine has an 8.5:1 compression ratio and incorporates a straight-port cylinder head, 'hotter' camshafts, up-rated oil pump, lightened flywheel and an improved cooling system with 3" impeller pump and viscous fan. Power is transmitted via a 9.5" diaphragm clutch and Jaguar five-speed 'Jaguar' gearbox, and is delivered to the road via an up-rated Salisbury 4HA rear axle.

Specialists involved in this unique car's construction include S Grimsly (Phoenix Restorations, paintwork), M Turley (MCT Trimming, headlining) and M Reeves (Custom Coachwork, seat trimming). Commencing in 2000, the restoration took more than four years and following its completion the XK was displayed on the Jaguar Enthusiasts' Club stand at the Classic Car Show at the NEC, Birmingham in October 2004.

'USU 958' has recently had a major service at Jaguar Heritage including all fluids and filters changed as well as a new battery. The car also has four new Vredestein tyres. Described by the private vendor as in generally excellent condition, this unique XK120 coupé is offered with sundry restoration invoices and a V5C registration document.