Jaguar XK120
ENGINE 3442cc/6-cyl/DOHC/ POWER 160bhp@5000rpm TORQUE 195lb ft@2500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 124mph 0-60MPH 10sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 14-22mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT Exempt ODOMETER 29,976 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
With only a few thousand miles since its mechanical rebuild, the XK120 still drives well, although the fuel pump occasionally needs a tap to stir it into life before starting. But once the engine is running, it does so with a smooth, steady idle. When underway, the car is a delight, with plenty of power on tap and no missing or hesitation. There’s very little slop to the steering and it all feels taut through bends. The clutch is weighty but feels right for an XK120 and the gearbox does its job effectively, although it does take a little practice to master swift changes. Brakes stop the car quickly and effectively, without any diving to either side.
BODYWORK CHECK
This XK120 remains in excellent condition after its recent paint and body work. Unlike many restored cars, it retains its original steel wheels rather than wires. These are all in fine order and clad in very good Avon Turbo Steel 185/R16 93V radials that date back to 2015 and have plenty of life left in them. The car still has its removable rear
spats, but they weren’t in place during our test. Insulation tape has been applied where they mount on the rear wheel arches to stop the paintwork being harmed. The minimal brightwork is all great, but a few bars in the radiator grille are a little loose. The chassis has been comprehensively undersealed.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The original red leather interior was swapped for a new black one with green piping in the mid-1970s. It doesn’t look or feel its age, though, with only very light cracking, although there’s a little more wear to the driver’s side bolster. However, it’s still all very smart. The carpets are almost as-new and the door cards well-preserved, although
the leather door straps do show signs of quite a lot of use. The central instrument panel has a slightly loose bit of trim at its bottom but all the dials function as intended, save for the clock.
UNDER THE BONNET
With the bills from Jaguar Heritage Trust’s 2015/2016 overhaul totalling almost £17,000, it’s no surprise that this XK120 remains in first-class mechanical order. Cosmetically, the engine bay is tidy, although the exhaust manifold has tarnished somewhat and there are a few marks in the spark plug ‘ditch’ between the cam covers. The bay looks largely standard aside from an electric fan installed ahead of the radiator – a wise addition – with no signs of DIY tinkering. Even the carburettor air filters appear as standard. Fluids are at the right levels and healthy shades.
THE CCW VIEW
This is a prime example of an early XK120, with verifiably low mileage. Considerable work has been carried out recently, so all any new custodian really has to do is just drive and enjoy it.
PROS Almost impossible to fault
CONS Expensive, but condition warrants the price
BUY IT FROM Greenside Cars, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 6ER. 01263 713362, 07831 463743, greensidecars.com