Photos courtesy Auctions America.
Sometimes “barn find” really is the most appropriate description of an automobile. Though the exact ownership history of this particular 1954 Jaguar XK120 SE convertible isn’t clear, this much is: Sometime in the 1970s, the drop-top Jaguar was parked in a Georgia barn, where it rested undisturbed for decades. Next month, the patina- and dust-laden sports car will cross the block, once again raising the question of whether the car’s condition will enhance or detract from its value.
Jaguar’s XK series cars (coupe, roadster and convertible) were intended to be minimalist sports cars, built on a short wheelbase to promote agility. Base XK120 models were fitted with Jaguar’s 3.4-liter inline six-cylinder engine, which featured double overhead camshafts and dual SU sidedraft carburetors, producing an output of 160 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. SE models, indicated by an “S” prefix on the chassis tag, came in a higher state of tune, with their 3.4-liter engines receiving modified camshafts, a lightened flywheel (which eventually became standard on all XK120 models), a unique crankshaft damper, stiffer valve springs and a Burgess dual exhaust. As a result, SE models produced 180 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque.
Changes to SE models didn’t stop with the engine. To further improve handling, these models also received stiffer leaf springs in the rear and stiffer torsion bars up front, and while wire wheels with knock-off spinners were standard equipment, steel wheels could be ordered upon customer request. As most SE models were destined for the racetrack, early examples even included a low-profile windscreen; this practice was stopped in late 1952, as several unscrupulous U.S. dealers were reportedly stealing the racing windscreens for resale.
According to Auctions America’s description of the Jaguar, the Georgia barn-find XK120 SE reportedly had 60,000 miles on the odometer when put away, and has since been “gone through” mechanically but (obviously) not cosmetically. Its Jaguar Red finish may be a respray in the original color, and matching rear fender spats (standard equipment on cars fitted with steel wheels) are included. Inside, this particular XK120 SE features a burl walnut dashboard, dark brown upholstery and roll-up windows, but quite a bit of work will be required before the car is in drivable condition. Auctions America has not released the Jaguar’s chassis number.
Auctions America predicts that the Jaguar will sell for $60,000 to $80,000. Occasionally, however, buyers favor a largely original car, regardless of condition, over one that’s been restored. Last January, an unrestored 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL coupe sold for $1,897,500 at auction, while a meticulously restored 1956 300 SL coupe, wearing identical colors, sold for $1,402,500 at the same event.
Auctions America’s Auburn sale will take place on May 8-10 in Auburn, Indiana. For additional details, visit AuctionsAmerica.com.
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