1952 Jaguar XK120

This 1952 Jaguar XK120 roadster is powered by a 3.4-liter inline-six that was fitted with later-style cylinder heads during a refurbishment completed approximately 35 years ago. The car was refinished in its current shade of red at that time, and the cabin was reupholstered in Biscuit leather. Shifting is through a four-speed manual transmission, and additional equipment includes dual SU carburetors, a Fawn convertible top, a split front windshield, chrome bumpers and bumperettes, 16″ steel wheels, hubcaps, bright trim rings, map pockets, and Smiths gauges. The car spent three decades with one caretaker before it was listed on BaT in June 2018, and it was purchased by the current owner during the subsequent year. Recent work under current ownership has included brake service, repairing the choke, re-jetting the carburetors, a valve job, and replacing the battery and freeze plugs. This XK120 roadster is now offered on dealer consignment with a Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate, documentation, and a clean New Mexico title. The car was finished from the factory in Suede Green, and it spent time with gray paintwork prior to being refinished in its current shade of red roughly 35 years ago. Exterior equipment includes a Fawn convertible top, a split front windshield, chrome front bumpers, chrome rear bumperettes, and a polished exhaust outlet. The rear window is cloudy. The painted 16″ steel wheels have hubcaps and bright trim rings. The car was factory equipped with an independent front suspension with telescopic-type hydraulic shock absorbers as well as semi-elliptical rear leaf springs and Girling hydraulic rear shock absorbers. One of the front shocks was replaced within the last year. Stopping power is provided by four-wheel drums, and the brake system is said to have been serviced in preparation for the sale. Trimmed from the factory in Suede Green, the cabin has been reupholstered in Biscuit leather with color-coordinated carpeting. Amenities include door map pockets and a dashboard-mounted rearview mirror. A grab handle and a plaque are mounted on the right side of the dashboard. The four-spoke steering wheel fronts Smiths instrumentation including a 140-mph speedometer, a reverse-sweep 6k-rpm tachometer with an inset analog clock, and auxiliary gauges. The five-digit odometer shows 86k miles, approximately 1k of which were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown. The 3.4-liter DOHC inline-six features dual SU carburetors and was factory rated at 160 horsepower.  Later-style cylinder heads were fitted during an engine overhaul approximately 35 years ago, and work within the last year has included repairing the choke, re-jetting the carburetors, a valve job, and replacing the battery and freeze plugs. A low-flow exhaust system has been installed, and the seller recommends installing a higher-flow setup to reduce operating temperatures. Power is routed to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. The Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate lists production information, factory colors, and a build date of September 25, 1951. A refurbishment book with photos and invoices for work completed under prior and current ownership accompanies the car. The commission plate is shown above, and it lists the chassis number, the body number, and the engine and gearbox numbers. The engine number is listed as W 3753-8, and the car is titled in New Mexico under the number 37538.