2011-07-18 09:13:04 | DougYoung writes:

for sale August 2011 Gooding Pebble Beach auction est US$140-180k

2011-07-31 21:44:32 | pauls writes:

URL for above:

www.goodingco.com/car/1952-jaguar-xk120-fixed-head-coupe-0

Auction description:

1952 Jaguar XK120 Fixed Head Coupe

CHASSIS NO. 679912

ENGINE NO. W5648-8

Lot 118

Please note that this car is titled by its engine number.

$140,000 - $180,000

Without Reserve

As indicated by its Certificate of Authenticity from the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, this sensational early XK was completed on August 18, 1952, finished in bronze paint with a tan interior. Seven days later, the Fixed Head Coupe was dispatched to Max Hoffman's famous Jaguar Cars New York and sold to Jas. A.T. Wood. While the intermediate history of the car remains unknown, on February 27, 2004, the car was acquired by Sidney Lawson of Rogersville, Tennessee, who in turn sold it to the current owner on March 26, 2007.

By the time this Jaguar was in the hands of its current owner it was in need of some attention and he commissioned a full nut- and-bolt restoration conducted by Michael Gassman in Waynesboro, Virginia. Mr. Gassman's comprehensive work included stripping, powder coating and refinishing the frame in its proper colors and glosses. The engine, carburetors, front and rear suspension, rear differential and brakes were all rebuilt, while the radiator was re-cored and the steering box refurbished as needed. Related engine components, including the intake manifold and cam covers, were meticulously polished, while all soft parts such as hoses and gaskets were replaced with NOS items.

Dissatisfied with the available bronze paints, the consignor opted to change the livery to a more classic Jaguar color combination, black paint over an Oxblood Red interior. To this end, Mr. Gassman primed and block-sanded the body, and then applied Jet Black paint with 99.9% black pigments for ideal depth of color. The paint was then color-sanded, buffed and sealed, while all brightwork was triple-chromed and fastidiously polished. The interior was fitted with new, proper Connolly leather and Wilton wool carpets, as well as a correct grey broadcloth headliner. The original burl wood dash was refinished and all gauges were carefully restored by Nisonger Instruments. Taking almost two years and accruing over $156,000 in receipts, this restoration was complemented with the addition of matching custom luggage crafted by Taris Charysyn & Co.

Completed late in 2010, Mr. Gassman's precise work on this XK120 drew immediate success, garnering several awards over the following two seasons. On September 18, 2010, the car scored 99.97 points at the 12th annual Virginia Jaguar Club Concours d'Elegance. Improperly plated carburetor screws cost the car a perfect score, but the consignor quickly ensured that this flaw was corrected. On October 2, 2010, this XK won Best of Show at the Shenandoah Valley British Car Club's annual British Car Show. 2011 proved to be an even better year for this Jaguar when the car tallied a perfect 100-point score while winning Best in Class at the Jaguar Club of Florida's annual Concours d'Elegance and made an appearance at the Amelia Island Concours on April 16, 2011.

In addition to claiming winning accolades and high-profile concours appearances, this Jaguar offers a number of desirable accessories, including a fully restored tool kit, a Heritage Certificate from the JDHT that demonstrates it to be a matching-numbers example, and a hardbound book published by the consignor that features photos of the restoration process and copies of the restoration receipts.

Recently restored and claiming a 100-point pedigree, this beautifully presented XK120 is a benchmark example that offers its next owner instant competitive entry to the world's most discerning concours d'elegance. This classic XK coupe would be the crowning jewel of most Jaguar collections and bears stunning testimony to the brilliance of one of Britain's most influential post-war sports cars.

Car sold for $176,000