1951 Jaguar XK120 Roadster
Registration no. RRA 188
Chassis no. 660901
Engine no. W3416-7

Chassis number '660901' was first registered in December 1951 and originally finished in silver with red upholstery. When purchased by the present owner in 1968, it had been hand painted red over white over silver and looked a mess, but the numbers matched and the XK was all original except for the front bumper. The car was stripped to the bare chassis, which was steam cleaned to remove underseal and then painted and re-undersealed. All the chassis bearings, rubbers, shackles, wheel bearings, shock absorbers, etc were renewed and the steering box rebuilt. The engine was stripped and re-bored, the crankshaft reground and the cylinder head restored with new valve seats, etc. A stainless steel exhaust was fitted. The gearbox was stripped and rebuilt with new bearings, thrust washers, etc. The electrics were rewired and the starter motor and dynamo overhauled by Hurst & Co of Swindon. Bodywork renovation involved new genuine Jaguar front and rear wings, sills and shut-face pillars, tonneau panel, rear wings and boot lid; the entire ensemble being re-sprayed in cellulose to the original specification and colour. The body was then completed with new carpets, interior red leather trim, cockpit surround, convertible hood, side screens and front bumpers. The restoration was carried out by specialist restorers of historic sports cars, TT Workshops of Westbury, Wiltshire (see bills on file). After several years work, 'RRA 188' was back on the road and MoT'd in April 1980 at 008 miles, the odometer having been zeroed during restoration. Tested yearly ever since, the car comes with all MoTs verifying the recorded total (as of April 2103) of 17,401 miles since restoration (525 miles annually). Noteworthy upgrades include Coopercraft front disc brakes, electronic ignition, and a Kenlowe electric cooling fan. The car was re-sprayed again (in two-pot acrylic silver) in 1996. A member of the Jaguar Drivers' Club (50 years Gold Badge holder) and also of the XK Club, the titled owner finds that, aged 77, he can no longer bend sufficiently to drive the car without getting cramp! He describes the XK as in 'used but not quite concours' condition, first class order mechanically and ready to go. The car is offered with old-style logbook, current MoT/tax, Swansea V5 document and a most comprehensive file of history and bills, close inspection of which is highly recommended. A very reliable, straight and sound car with no known faults.