Car & Classic Dealer

Houtkamp Collection

Netherlands

1953 JAGUAR XK 120 OTS, Mille Miglia Eligible For Sale

- Desirable Special Equipment example
- Wonderful color combination
- Fitted with desirable upgrades such as disc brakes and 5 speed gearbox
- A truly drivers example



The Jaguar XK100 never existed as a production model, but there had been plans to produce it, and it was to have been powered by a 2 litre 4 cylinder engine which had been developed as part of the engine development program that had taken place in the war years. Apart from the engine, the car itself was to have been much the same as the XK120. The XK100 was never produced because the cost would have been almost the same as the XK120 due to the fact that initially the cars were largely handbuilt and this accounted for the largest percentage of the total cost.
The XK120 itself was almost certainly never intended to be a volume production model either. At that time Jaguar had an engine, the newly developed 6 cylinder XK unit, but the large sedan for which it was intended was not ready. This sedan, the MK VII finally appeared in 1950.

In the meantime Jaguar badly needed to stir up some excitement, as its range was still of pre-war design, so the XK Open Two Seater Super Sports as it was then known was designed as a “show car” for the 1948 Motor Show. It utilized a shortened version of the chassis designed for the MK VII, which was already in use in the post war MK V, and the brand new XK engine, the result of all the research done during the war, while Jaguar could not produce any cars. It made extensive use of aluminum for the body panels, and William Lyons had plans to market it as a fairly low volume “specialty car”. Its purpose was to maintain public interest until the introduction of the MK VII, and act as a test bed for the new engine.

The rest is now history, the car was a sensation and orders so overwhelmed the production capability that it needed to be redesigned to be build at a production line.

The first model which is this model was the so-called XK open Two Seater / Roadster. Amongst the roadster was the 120 also available as a Drophead Coupe and a Fixed Head Coupe.

All of the XK 120’s were fitted with a 3442cc 6 cylinder engine. This engine is absolutely fabulous and due to the perfect power to weight ratio the car has an amazing performance.

The XK 120 is a car which can be driven on a racetrack but it is also a fantastic car to use for holiday trips. The big engine is great to drive on the highway because it does not produces very high revs at higher speed and is therefore very comfortable.

This specific example is one of the best driving XK 120’s we have ever had and we have traded many of these cars because we personally love them. The power is great, the looks are very nice and the handling is superb. But every XK is slightly different and due to the fact that this XK has been slightly upgraded, the car is driving even better as another “standard” XK 120.



ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE

We are personally completely in love with this specific Jaguar XK 120.
The sound which comes from the exhaust is slightly louder then normal. It remembers us of an XK 140 which we used some years ago for Italian rallies.
It was an XK 140 which was driving so perfect. The handling of that car together with the looks and the power was just superb and hard to find in any other car.

A Jaguar XK can feel so perfect. The seat position can be comfortable and as mentioned before, the handling can be superb.

This specific example still has it’s original patinated leather which is in a beautiful condition.
The seat position is fantastic because most XK’s are sitting uncomfortable because of newly made seats which are most of the time too hard and too high which ruins the comfortable seat position an XK can have.

Due to the upgrades such as the 4 disc brakes and the 5 speed gearbox the handling is even better then normal.

The gearbox is from the interior not visible because the old knob has been used.

The Jaguar has been owned by the former owner since 2012. A gentlemen with a nice collection of special cars. The theme in his collection was FIRST SERIES. He had a variety of cars from the first series including a Facel Vega FV2B and an Aston Martin DB4 series I.

This XK was a car to drive. Not pristine / nicer then new restored but just very nice and usable.

Maintenance was carried out on a regular base as the former owner is a very precise person. This car was serviced in and registered in France (carte gris).



CONDITION EXTERIOR

The body of the Jaguar is in a very nice condition. Due to the wonderful color combination the car presents beautifully.
The paint is very nice with some small imperfections. It is a drivers car, not a trailer queen which is made nicer then new.

The door fittings are very nice. The chrome wheels are in as new condition. The rest of the chrome such as the window surrounding and bumpers are also very nice.
One can find slight signs of wearing.

The soft top of the Jaguar is in a nice condition.



CONDITION INTERIOR

The interior of the Jaguar is probably the most impressive part of the car. The seats are still wearing the original leather which is in a beautiful condition.

The dashboard also shows the original leather and all meters and gauges are in a perfectly working order.



ENGINE BAY

The engine bay shows perfect and is nicely detailed. When the car was repainted the engine has been taken out to carry out a professional job.

Many correct details are in place, including very nicely polished valve covers.



DRIVING EXPERIENCE

As we started this story with, the driving experience of this specific Jaguar XK is just great. The handling and the performance is just perfect.
The sound from the exhaust is slightly louder which gives more fun.
The upgraded 5 speed gearbox and 4 disc brakes make this car the ultimate drivers XK.

This XK 120 is a very nice car to see and a fantastic car to drive.


Disclaimer
The information provided on this website has been compiled by The Houtkamp Collection with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. The Houtkamp Collection is not liable for any errors or mistakes.

This advert has now been removed through sale or otherwise.
Please see the list below for similar live adverts.

Similar Adverts

Genuine sale, long term ownership. Drives very well, lots of power, straight as an arrow at speed, silky smooth gear changes. Lots of work done to engine, fuel system, and drivetrain. Thousands spent on new parts including big ticket items like radiators, stainless exhaust, steering/alignment, brakes, battery etc. Still ...

112,500
13 Mar 2024
Sussex
Private

Completely restored car in every part, like new from competition, running-in engine, light blue metallic colour, blue hood, chrome spoke wheels, matching number. Options: tonneau, fog lights, additional fan, anatomical + original racing seats. Homologated asi gold plate and Fiva passport, with jaguar heritage, new + antiqued ...

650
27 Mar 2024
Italy
Verified Dealer (see stock)

Nice sound original 3.8. Mine for the past 42 years. Only 3 previous owners. The lovely Coventry reg has been on all this time. Might sell separately. Stainless steel exhaust and manifold. The original Red paintwork has faded a little. The engine was rebuild with Cosworth high compression pistons about 30 years ago and ...

23,825
18 Mar 2024
Middlesex
Private

1954 Jaguar XK120 SE DHC Chassis number: S678390 Engine Number: F3363-88 Body Number: P2662 Gear Box Number: JL23431 Registration number: WA6DXZ California A 34,000 mile time warp. This has to be the most original & unmolested Jaguar I have had the pleasure to handle. It is fully recommissioned ...

32,543
22 Mar 2024
United Kingdom
Verified Dealer (see stock)

Jaguar 3.8 S type 1965 Sherwood green with wire wheels and Webasto sun roof. New MOT (although MOT not required as over 40 years old) Good condition older restoration not concurs but good honest very useable car Drives like a modern car due to retrofitted Wilkinson Ltd electric pump powered jaguar steering rack and ...

95,300
12 Mar 2024
Sussex
Private

An authentic car of 1997, comfortable and pleasant to drive thanks to a very rare engine, the 4.0 with 241hp and the "English living room" that you have the impression of entering when you get in it. Unique car in this condition from the perfectly preserved interior, fantastic mechanics, to the polished bodywork. The car ...

126,462
22 Feb 2024
Italy

1988 Jaguar XJS 3.6L Automatic for sale. Car has been meticulously maintained inside and out and is driving beautifully. It is driven once a month and is stored in an air chamber all year around. It has been wax oiled inside and out to prevent rusting and has been recently serviced. There is a huge service history ...

90,500
23 Mar 2024
Ireland
Private
14
Picture of 1952 Jaguar XK 120 Fixed head coupe - For Sale

Very nice restored Jaguar XK 120. Mille Miglia Eligible. This Jaguar XK 120 Fixed Head Coupe is originally delivered to Belgium Motor Company, Brussels, Belgium. The car has been restored in the Netherlands over a couple of years and in the final stage of restoration, the owner wanted to move on for a new project. An enormous ...

20 Mar 2024
Belgium
Premium Dealer (see stock)

Chassis Number 669008 was the eighth Jaguar XK120 Fixed Head coupe produced and the first customer sold car after the first seven going to racing drivers. The car was manufactured 24 March 1953 and sold through Sanderson – Homes on 22 May 1953. The car was restored to total originality and to the correct speciation ...

34,660
19 Mar 2024
United Kingdom
Verified Dealer (see stock)

Here is my xj40 3.2s in flamenco red with magnolia hide interior. Mot’s until 2/10/24. Passed last two years with no advisories. It has been a wonderful car to own and drive but the time has come to sell. The last owner bought it in 1999 and kept it garaged for over 22years which has paid off, as there is no corrosion ...

74,000
16 Mar 2024
Lancashire
Private
32
Picture of 1954 JAGUAR XK 120 DROPHEAD COUPÉ - For Sale

Price Reduced 1954 Jaguar XK 120 drophead coupé First owned by French singer Gilbert Bécaud Comprehensive body restoration to a high standard Recent engine rebuild Coopercraft disc brakes and five-speed gearbox Toulon-born singer Gilbert Bécaud would have cut quite a dash in 1950s France at the wheel of his newly ...

16 Mar 2024
Gloucestershire
Premium Dealer (see stock)

70 YEARS AGO THE QUEEN ASCENDED TO THE THRONE……….and this XK Jaguar first took to the roads of the U.K. incredibly both are still alive and kicking today. When you think of that it’s a remarkable week to celebrate the Queen and buy an XK! From long term ownership and storage an original right hand drive matching ...

14 Mar 2024
West Midlands
Verified Dealer (see stock)

Filling the big shoes from the legendary E-type was not an easy job, and it took some time to succeed. By now it is getting clear how a great car this XJS is, elegant, powerfull and comfortable. They didn't miss ther appointment with the future ! This reflects in the prices going up by the year, so its now or never to ...

92,000
5 Mar 2024
Belgium

1952 Jaguar XK120 fixed head coupe that can be used as a nice driver. The car is in silver with a red interior. It was extensively restored by the previous owner. Mechanics are in good order. Underside has been redone. Car comes with tools and some extra parts. Price $79,950. More pictures and videos are available of ...

11 Mar 2024
United States

Special price reduction due to family commitments Now only £15500 This car was imported from Japan in 2019 with only 49975Km on the clock (31053 Miles) A replacement UK speedo was fitted with roughly the same mileage ( about 600miles short so car has now covered approximately 32K miles from new.) The original speedo ...

30,839
11 Feb 2024
Oxfordshire
Private

A fantastic Jaguar XK8 convertible in Saphire blue. Only 42,000 miles and it’s as it left the factory. Full-service history with a fully stamped service book (15 stamps) showing 9 jaguar service stamps and the rest Jaguar/specialist garages. The car presents itself beautifully with an almost perfect finish and interior ...

42,000
17 Feb 2024
Lancashire
Private

What an elegant modern classic this is, we have owned many over the years and nothing else quite has the same character, charm and beauty as a Jaguar XJ6 or XJ8, from this era. This is a particularly lovely example, with low ownership of just 2 previous owners, the current owner having owned it for over 5 years and low ...

86,000
25 Mar 2024
Norfolk
Private

This stunning ‘1952 Jaguar XK120 SE Fixed-Head Coupe’ is a sought after Special Equipment model. Finished in Black with Red Leather, Equipped with period driving lamps, front disc brakes, Turino 16” stainless steel wire wheels, Jaguar two-eared spinners,  This car was dispatched from the factory on the 9th ...

804
9 Mar 2024
Essex
Verified Dealer (see stock)

This beautiful example of one of the all time classic Jaguar XK120 roadsters made and was originally delivered new to Bryson’s in Melbourne, who were the factory appointed distributor for Australia. The vehicle comes with matching numbers an a certificate of authenticity from Jaguar Heritage Center. The car is still ...

25,485
7 Mar 2024
Australia