Equipment
3,442cc DOHC six, C-type head, 2-inch SU carburetors, 5-speed, aluminum radiator, bucket seats, Terratrip rally computer, gear reduction starter, front disc brakes, louvered hood, chrome wire wheels, radial tires. Vinyl upholstery.
Condition
#3 Good
Runs and drives well. Flaws not noticeable to passersby. Most common condition.
Represented as the original matching-numbers engine block. Good paint, repositioned seats for tall drivers. Odd Firestone Destination A/T tires. Prepared for aggressive tours. Good chrome. Comes with the original seats.
Market commentary
Despite the cataloged ownership history I have this car sold by Coys in London November 1998 for $99,352 (ú61,000 at the time) in pretty much the same configuration as it was offered here including the 8.5:1 compression ratio C-Type head, but not the 5-speed. Assessing its value in its current modified configuration is complicated. While it doesn't have the stock configuration valued by most collectors of these rare early XK 120s it does have a long history in similar configuration and thoughtful modifications that make it both more enjoyable and safer on the road. The bidders chose to lean toward discounting on the basis of modifications which resulted in a superior value for a new owner who wants a lightweight XK 120 to drive and enjoy.