Need advice on this 1953 XK120M - HELP

[lotustt1]

Hey everyone,

I am going to check out this 53 XK120M tonight at a dealership in Manhattan - My dad and I are interested in a sunny Sunday car that will also maintain or appreciate in value over time. We are both in love with the XK120/XK150 roadsters but are clueless when it comes to what year and exact model to get. Any thoughts on the car below or other ones we should be looking at? Price wise, we are looking to stay below $100k -

https://www.cooperclassiccars.com/CarPages/53Jaguarxk120mwhite.asp

Thanks!!

 

[LarryK]

The 53 120M had the chrome fender light assemblies and either 2" carbs or lightened flywheel. You'll like the 120, a little crude but satisfaction in performance from a new radical early Jag. These have recirculating ball steering by manpower. Some of the earliest 120s had a wood frame and thin aluminum bodies. The 140MC will have 2" carbs, fog lights, lightened flywheel and C-type head. Also, the 140 introduced the rack and pinion steering and more legroom, a much more comfortable car, but with bigger monstrous bumpers. Still rather good looking and upgraded in speed and handling. The 150 featured the 3.8 engine in standard or S with more creature comforts and the wrap around one piece windshield. Love'em all. A very hard to decide what one wants. 120 king of the early sportscars, crude but very exciting for the spirit. 140 a little more creature comforts, more speed, big bumpers. 150 cool calm faster not as sleek looking, bigger engine, still big bumpers.
I started driving in a 140MC Coupe, bought a 120MC Roadster when I got married, drove a 150 S Coupe when I worked at a Jag shop. Can't decide myself, good luck on your hunt!

 

[Deleted member 8987]

Nice car.
Personally, I am partial to 140's, the MC version if I got what I really wanted.
Larry spelled it out.....in slow traffic, and parking, that manual steering can get old, just keep air pressure up and your lube gun full.

DRIVE it before you buy......traffic, parking, driveway clearance, etc.
XK's are nice.

I have a MK2, and here near Seattle, a hardtop is probably a better choice.

Looks like the prices on these are coming down, too.

 

[Exotexs]

they feel like a Ford 150 Panel Delivery from 1950. Better to buy a XJ-S V12 if you want to have fun and comfort.

Ex

 

[MikeP]

Main thing to me is to always remember you're buying 1950s and earlier technology and maintenance requirements, and it isn't going to actually drive like what you're probably used to. But don't let that stop you unless after testing it you just aren't happy with the ride. Too many folks expect an "exotic" car to be the same or surpass what they drive to work and are disappointed when they find poorer steering, brakes, cooling mixed in with the unique look.

 

[Deleted member 8987]

they feel like a Ford 150 Panel Delivery from 1950. Better to buy a XJ-S V12 if you want to have fun and comfort.

Ex

Hey!
I've driven those!
And, this morning, in the blowing rain, I drove my 1950 Ford F-1 pickup to St. Arbux!

You have a problem with the term "drives like a truck"?

 

[PhilW]

Hi,

It looks like a nice jump in and drive 120. The interior is not original, but a nice re-do with one or two mistakes. The top is a bit expensive to do, but you'll never use it. My Concours top's been hanging in a barn for 30 years un-used. The first time I had it up on my 140, I un-bouted it and hung it up, been there ever since. If you're taller than 6 foot, you may consider a 140 or 150. Years ago I had to sell a beautiful 120 because I wasn't comfortable driving it. My 140's fit me much better. I'd question those two black spots (holes?) on either side of the grill. Wrongly mounted fog lights? The 120 is the most common with undrer 8000 made, the 140 had a little over 3000 made, the 150 just over 2000 made (all roadsters). And yes, the 120 drives like a pick-up, the 140 and 150 a bit better. I'm lucky to work in a garage and have driven them all many times, as well as own them.

The top, side curtains, and especially that "metal contraption" will never get close to the car. They all leave permanent marks in the paint or interior panels if used. Please don't put them on.

As for price, I worked on a '54 120 rd 2 weeks ago that a customer was sending over to Europe. It was not as nice, but still an OK driver at about $50K.

I'd say go look at it and if you still have an interest, hire someone that knows the 120's to inspect it. It's well worth the price. You can contact a local Jaguar club of North America and they can recommend someone to see it.

Good Luck,
Phil.

 

[Exotexs]

what he will find at the JCNA is a group of mostly arrogant and know-little-about-Jaguars kind of individuals who can't even change a fuse. I would not send the guy to the JCNA, it's a dying "private club" that does not attract new members due to their arrogance. My advice? Pass on the JCNA, do not waste your time or money.

I would recommend he joins and registers at Jag-Lovers XK Forum. Lots of well-informed and well-meaning XK-series OWNERS from around the world who actually work in their cars.

https://www.jag-lovers.com

Ex