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But it’s okay to want this ‘53 XK120 FHC? Even tho’ it’s a leaky, unreliable Jag?

  1. airansun In the shuffling madness Jan 27, 2019

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    So, here’s the contrast with the Imperial. A different sort of excess.

    448EB046-BBDE-4CFE-AB82-FA3A06171AD4.jpeg

    I’ve always loved these early XK120s. Particularly the fixed head coupes, because you get that incredible rear window and lines to die for.
    745EA44A-1F2C-4BC4-AC1F-A5AB1BD7D220.jpeg

    For how big they are on the outside, they are amazingly small on the inside. But just look at that interior!
    2696EE61-2D23-40EE-A26A-B3D740D526A8.jpeg 5110FF6A-B879-4207-8376-17EAA09BA692.jpeg

    Back in the day, everybody replaced these pesky Jag straight 6s with Chevy small blocks to stop the constant oil leaks and more serious mechanical problems. But, I’m sorry, no Chevy small block ever looked this good, IMO.
    C741E4E6-13C1-436C-A798-9D870B65816F.jpeg

    I also hear that these early XKs, particularly the 120s, are uncomfortable, particularly for tall guys like yours truly.

    The leaf springs have leather lace-up gaiters! Just like expensive cars in the 20’s did.
    9BD68B5B-0704-49AF-9E68-991F8DFE95AF.jpeg

    Also on eBay at the moment, but only about two hours left. Up to $68k and still hasn’t met reserve.
    https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/202571930611

    And again, I don’t have the means or the space for such an indulgence. But it makes for a dreamy, if momentary Sunday afternoon reverie.
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  2. Croweater Jan 28, 2019

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    A true classic,but I prefer the lines of the roadster.And who would have thought that the XK120 would have been so successful as a rally car.
     
  3. KAP Jan 28, 2019

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    Your putting out threads today with beautiful cars. Despite what you say airansun, I think you may yet find a way to make room for a nice 50's vehicle and locate the funds to bring it home. Best of luck keeping up the resistance!
     
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  4. ChrisN Jan 28, 2019

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    The coupés have the best interior and, arguably, the best lines but the OTS (roadster) models are lovely old things.

    "Unreliable"?:rolleyes: Mine was driven a lot in Europe but, sadly sold now. Here in The Picos in Northern Spain. Notice that I don't make any comment about them being "leaky":D.
    xk in the picos.jpg

    And back in 1951, at Silverstone, being driven by the first owner:
    xk in 1951.jpg

    Lovely old things and miss mine but I still have a sixties big cat so am very lucky.

    Cheers, Chris
     
  5. BlueBoy Jan 28, 2019

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    I was watching that 120FHC on ebay.. lovely car, but think the owner wanted about 3x what the final bid was!
     
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  6. rob#1 Jan 28, 2019

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    Lovely lines on the FHC, would love to own one.

    These were some of my bread and butter back when I was a coach trimmer, was lucky enough to work on 120s, 140s and the odd 150. I think my favourite was Ralph Lauren’s XK120 (or was it an XK140?]. Having mentioned Ralph, he has an impressive collection - https://mymodernmet.com/ralph-laurens-incredible-car/
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  7. noelekal Home For Wayward Watches Jan 28, 2019

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    Edited Jan 28, 2019
  8. Professor Jan 28, 2019

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    Tough to beat these lines.
    53 Studebaker.
    studebaker-56-1.jpg
    A number of these were used to build salt flats racers.

    AUT-21-RK2532-01P.jpg
     
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