1953 Jaguar XK120 OTS

1953 Jaguar XK Description

This 50k mile XK120 OTS has been professionally restored and sorted to perform properly and reliably. Everything works as it should. There are some upgrades to that end including modern rear main seal, electronic distributor trigger, electronic original style square body fuel pump, electronic clock works, upgraded torsion bars, custom internally configured stock radiator, louvered engine bay side panels, alloy fuel tank, intelligently placed kill switch and other appropriate details. The engine is 9.5:1 compression and makes great power and sound. There are no oil leaks, smoke, squeaks or rattles. The engine runs cool under all conditions. The interior and top are the rare color of Mulberry leather, Wilton carpet and Stayfast canvas. The exterior is a Grayish Silver metallic. The seat foam was custom configured to replicate the original waffle style to be plush and comfortable not high and hard as most are done these days with the new foam that vendors are supplying. All materials are of the highest quality. The body was re-done with expert metal finishing techniques and lead filler not with buckets of Bondo as others do. I have a file of many up close detail pictures to show the extent and quality of the restoration that I can send on request. There is a large file that covers the restoration (details below), history and parts used in the restoration. The car comes with tools, tire pump, and battery charger. The car is currently located in Texas. Seller will assist in shipping arrangements.

JaguarXK120 Restoration Detail

History of Vehicle

The vehicle was purchased from the third owner in 1990 and had been neglected previously. The mileage shown was 49,000 miles, which appeared correct given the condition of the gearbox and rear end and suspension and control bushings. All numbers are matching and the original data plate has been retained and reinstalled. The restoration was frame up and done to an extremely high standard, with the view towards making the vehicle a drive that could be enjoyed as a runner. Most all of the work has been done by Spencer Guder at Spencer Restorations in Connecticut. He is available to answer any questions about the work performed and the condition of the vehicle. Most all of the invoices for work performed and parts purchased are available to serious buyers. The vehicle is presently garaged in Dallas, Texas.

Chassis, Suspension and Brakes

The frame was stripped of all attachments, sandblasted, checked for straightness and primed and painted in epoxy gloss black. All front end components including but not limited to tie rod ends and ball joints were renewed with proper bushings and rubber pieces, the steering box disassembled and cleaned and resealed and Koni shocks fitted with upgraded torsion bars. The rear suspension was replaced with new springs, proper leather spring gaiters and shocks upgraded from lever action to telescopic Konis.

The brake system was completely rebuilt with new and upgraded components including but not limited to brake lines, master cylinder and reservoir, wheel cylinders, brake linings and brake springs. Wheel rims were checked for true and new Pirelli period correct style Cinturatos mounted. New hubcaps and beauty rings were fitted. The original emergency brake cables were retained but all springs and pawls were replaced with rechromed emergency brake lever.

Drivetrain

Engine

The all numbers matching engine was completely disassembled, cleaned and checked for cracks. The crankshaft was turned .020under and cylinders bored .030. Connecting rods were re machined and new rod bolts fitted. All reciprocating components were balanced. The block was boiled out, new freeze plugs fitted and the interior of the block repainted with Glyptol as original. The oil pump was rebuilt and fitted with new gears, harmonic balancer rebuilt with new rubber, flywheel machined and new ring gear and clutch components installed, upgraded gear reduction starter installed to handle JE pistons made for9.5:1 compression, Generator rebuilt, water pump replaced, all new timing chains and tensioner assembly and springs, Pertronix electronic distributor fitted, with original retained and rebuilt for fitment if desired. The matching number cylinder head was cleaned and checked, follower bucket hold downs installed with all new guides, valves, springs, retainers and later XK high lift cams. All valve seats received multi angle cutting and head was assembled and set up by machine shop. Carburetors were cleaned, polished and renewed with new throttle shafts and seals. New fuel lines as original fitted with new SU solid state fuel pump and aluminum gas tank. The exhaust manifolds were ceramic coated and after several years and a thousand plus miles show no signs of chipping or cracking. The radiator was recored and internal baffles fitted to assist in cooling. Even in Texas heat, this car does not overheat. The exhaust system is the sport version and made in steel so it does have that correct period sound not the stainless steel sound. The net result of this work is an engine that runs smoothly, revs freely and is good mannered with hot idle oil pressure at 35 psi. There are is little to no oil leakage and modern seals were fitted to the front and rear main seals. This required machining of the rear of the crankshaft to accept the uprated seal kit.

Transmission

The unit was disassembled and inspected and resealed. The condition of gears and synchro components were excellent and did show low mileage. No bearings needed replacement either. This transmission shifts extremely well and is the quietest Moss gearbox you will find these days.

Differential and Driveshaft

The rear end was disassembled and checked and like the transmission, required cleaning and reseal. The driveshaft was renewed with new U joints and rebalanced as a precaution.Everything runs quietly and smoothly

Body and Coachwork

The body was chemically stripped and all rust repairs made with new replacement repair panels or custom made metal pieces. All critical areas, such as the front signal nacelles, were leaded so there is no cracking or shrinking. The body was painted off the chassis and is silver inside and out in silver urethane paint, sanded and buffed. All alignments and gaps are as close to perfect as can be obtained. All hinges were renewed. All panels are extremely straight. All hinges and latch assemblies either rebuilt or replaced to factory original. The floorboards are all new marine grade ply with proper fasteners and hardware. The interior seats and door panels are Mulberry full grain leather with correct stitching and fitment. All other panels have proper Moquette or Rexine as original. The seats and top frames were taken to bare metal and repainted as original. The seat cushions are all rebuilt properly and not just foam that sags over time. The seats are durable and comfortable. The full carpet set is Wilton wool to original specs. The top and tonneau are Hartz Stayfast and the top has a new proper glass rear window. I have new chrome plated side curtain frames, new plexiglass and material to make side curtains if desired. The car is not driven in inclement weather and the tonneau is available for rainy situations if encountered. All body fittings have been replated. Original hardware has been Parkerised as original. A complete and refreshed toolkit and tool role is included.

Instruments, Controls and Electrical

All instruments were rebuilt and calibrated by Nisonger instruments, specialists in Smith and Jaeger instruments. The faces and indicators were not repainted so as to retain some original patina. The original knobs and switches were also retained for the patina. All wiring was replaced with Rhode Island cloth wrapped harnesses as original fitment. A new turn signal relay box and relay is fitted. The fuse box and regulator areas original. Basset offset pedals are fitted for better comfort, as is a new 15inch sport steering wheel.

On Oct-05-20 at 07:34:24 PDT, seller added the following information:

Additional Notes from Buyer Questions:- Stock compression ratio was 8:1- Steering wheel is like the original, but slightly smaller in diameter. The original steering wheel is not available.