c.1952 Jaguar XK120 SE Coupé
Registration no. USU 958
Chassis no. S680125
Engine no. W6171-8S

This wonderful example of Jaguar's legendary 1950s sports car has undergone a ground-upwards restoration and re-engineering by XK specialist John May of Tewkesbury. It has been modified to create an exclusive grand tourer for use in modern road conditions, incorporating chassis strengthening and sympathetic changes to the bodywork and lighting, resulting in a more refined look. Similarly, the 'Belle Epoque' interior has been designed for more comfort and legroom, and features unique burr oak woodwork and a steering wheel hand-made exclusively for this car. The mechanicals have also been upgraded to include a 3.8-litre engine, five-speed gearbox, rack-and-pinion steering and disc brakes.

The car features a shortened, louvred bonnet; grille incorporated in the body; doors shortened to the level of the floor; sills extended to be flush with the wings; and a shortened boot lid with the lower section hinged to access the spare wheel. The rear lights have contoured into the widened rear wings; front wing air vents removed and a new integrated fresh air system incorporated. The front side lamps are now incorporated in the headlamps, and there are scoops on the front air intakes and extractor vents on the rear wings. Other noteworthy features include Biarritz Blue paintwork; flashing indicators inset in the bumpers; battery compartment built into the front wing; chrome trim to the bonnet and sills; up-rated windscreen wipers with two-speed motor; and a 'Le Mans' style fuel filler cap.

Taken from an XK120 prototype, the dashboard rail features integrated lights while the dashboard itself is deeper and curved, featuring D-Type style instruments with warning light cluster in front of the driver. The wood-rim steering wheel is embellished with mother-of-pearl inlay. Enhanced driver/passenger comfort is ensured by the up-rated heater matrix with two-speed motor and ducted fresh air system, while the provision of a bulkhead pedal box accommodates drivers as tall as 6' 4". The grey, leather-trimmed bucket seats feature lumbar support, while other interesting interior details include 'SS'-style sunburst door pockets, a cocktail cabinet between the seats, and leather map pockets on the rear bulkhead. There are interior courtesy lights on the roof, dashboard and for the rear bulkhead area, and even the eyes of the Jaguar badge in the dashboard centre illuminate!

The chassis has been seam-welded and reinforced, and the steering and suspension geometry modified. Koni telescopic shock absorbers are fitted all round and 'anti-tramp' bars at the rear. An XK150 steering has been fitted also, complete with a fabricated top column, which is adjustable, and the braking system up-rated to discs all round with a 3:1 servo. The wheels are 6"x15" centre laced chrome wires shod with 205/70VR15 tyres.

The 3.8-litre engine has an 8.5:1 compression ratio and incorporates a straight-port cylinder head, 'hotter' camshafts, up-rated oil pump, lightened flywheel and an improved cooling system with 3" impeller pump and viscous fan. Power is transmitted via a 9.5" diaphragm clutch and Jaguar five-speed 'Jaguar' gearbox, and is delivered to the road via an up-rated Salisbury 4HA rear axle.

Specialists involved in this unique car's construction include S Grimsly (Phoenix Restorations, paintwork), M Turley (MCT Trimming, headlining) and M Reeves (Custom Coachwork, seat trimming). Commencing in 2000, the restoration took more than four years and following its completion the XK was displayed on the Jaguar Enthusiasts' Club stand at the Classic Car Show at the NEC, Birmingham in October 2004.

'USU 958' has recently had a major service at Jaguar Heritage including all fluids and filters changed as well as a new battery. The car also has four new Vredestein tyres. Described by the private vendor as in generally excellent condition, this unique XK120 coupé is offered with sundry restoration invoices and a V5C registration document.