2017-01-05 14:30:55 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auciton 2/17
www.bonhams.com/auctions/24103/preview_lot/5034806/

Auction description:
Jaguar XK120 roadster 1953
€100,000 - 150,000
CA$ 140,000 - 210,000
Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
Chassis no. 673222
Engine no. W6708-8

•Modelled on the Brooks Stevens XK120
•Believed unique two-tone paint scheme
•Matching numbers
•Exceptionally original and un-restored

This unusual Jaguar XK120 has been modelled on that owned by Brooks Stevens, the influential American industrial designer, whose roadster is believed to be the only example delivered new with two-tone paintwork. Pictured at the Brooks Stevens Auto Museum in 1959, the Stevens XK120 is illustrated in Glen Adamson's book, 'Industrial Strength Design: How Brooks Stevens Shaped Your World'. Born in 1911, Stevens studied at Cornell University and went on to enjoy a prolific career designing home furnishings, domestic appliances, cars, and motorcycles, as well as working as a graphic designer and stylist. In 1944, he was one of the group, including Raymond Loewy, which founded the Industrial Designers Society of America.

This XK120's first owner knew Brooks Stevens and decided to have his car painted in two-tone livery like Stevens' example. He wanted his car to be unique and chose black over red (the Stevens car was black over beige).

Currently in the hands of only its third owner, the XK120 is in good condition and virtually 100% original having never been restored. We are advised that the second owner, a very old gentleman, is still alive. It is rare to find an un-restored Jaguar XK120 that is not totally rusted; this one's rust-free condition being attributable to its storage in the Californian desert.

All major components are original - engine, gearbox, transmission, etc - and even the original wooden floors have survived unscathed. Apart from the seat bases, the interior leather upholstery is original, including the dashboard and door trim, and even the case for the batteries. All the original carpets are present also together with the hood, hood frame, and tool kit (the hood fabric needs to be changed). The car also comes with its original keys and the maintenance manual supplied by the original dealer. Five all-black tyres are included in the sale.

The car is reported to work well; the engine performs strongly, the brakes have been overhauled, the batteries changed, and four new BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewall tyres fitted. Accompanying documentation consists of a French Carte Grise de Collection, original service and maintenance books, Jaguar Certificate of Conformity, and a report on the condition of the bodywork.