1954 | Jaguar XK 120 SE OTS

Originally a USA export car, chassis S675419 was repatriated in the early 1990s. The owner sent the XK directly to Don Law, the Jaguar specialist in Stoke-on-Trent who completed a full body off restoration. It was converted to Right Hand Drive and a number of upgrades were fitted during this period. This included fitting XK140 rack and pinion steering – one of the most effective upgrades on an XK120 –  as well as an XJ6 steering column and XK150 front disc brakes. Also fitted were Koni shock absorbers.

The current owner bought it in 2010 and continued the development and upgrades. An XJ6 engine had been fitted, so a more period 3.4 Litre engine from a MK2 was secured. The cylinder head was completely rebuilt with new valves, guides, seat followers etc. The crankshaft was ground, and fitted with a modified rear oil seal and bearings. All the other usual engine rebuild tasks were undertaken; core plugs, oil pump, water pump, timing chains, new pistons – the list is as one would hope for. Larger HD8 carburettors were fitted onto a modified inlet manifold, increasing performance.

Side screens were replaced, a new clutch fitted, splined hubs sourced and all the instruments checked and calibrated. The engine bay was stripped and painted.

One of the big upgrades was fitted in 2013 – the Toyota Supra 5 speed gearbox, which absolutely transforms an XK on long distance trips. At the same time, a new aluminium radiator was installed.

In late 2014, it was decided a bare metal paint was next on the list, which was undertaken by Martyn Baker Restorations. At the same time, most of the brightwork was re-chromed. A new carpet set was also fitted.

All this work had the car back on the road for 2015, enough time to bed it in for a trip to Le Mans Classic in 2016. Returning from the trip, it was decided to further upgrade the front brakes, replacing the XK150 callipers with Coopercraft 4 pot units along with Goodridge flexible hoses.

This is a superb driver’s car, the rack-and-pinion and 5 speed gearbox absolutely transforming it. This is an exceptionally good value XK120 Roadster, taking into consideration the cost of work over the past decade and the usability of it in its current specification.