This beautiful XK120 Roadster was originally supplied to Germany before being
shipped to California. It was there that it was reputedly one of six XK120s
that were rebodied by the ‘King of Kustomizers’ and friend of the film stars, George Barris, and subsequently owned by the
actress, Elizabeth Taylor. Retaining the elegance of the original XK120
Roadster the car was exquisitely re-designed with subtle enhancements which
included curving of the sides of the body, de-seaming and re-styling of the
front and rear lights. The end result is outstanding and truly epitomises the
elegance of Hollywood in the Fifties.
Purchased in the UK by the present owner in 1991, it was repainted and totally
rebuilt over a period of time to include a number of mechanical modifications
which include:
• Engine blueprinted and bored to 3.8 litres
• Gas-flowed cylinder head
• Triple 2’’ SU carburettors
• 5-speed Getrag gearbox
• 12 volt/alternator conversion
• Larger radiator
• Disc brakes all round
• Suspension overhaul including Koni rear shock absorber conversion
• 3.77 Salisbury axle and Powrlok diff
The car now drives like a well-sorted E-Type, with a strong engine, taut
handling and a superb exhaust note, and has competed in various rallies in
Europe, Africa and the USA. The front seats were recently re-trimmed in black
leather and have standard and bucket rears which are easily swapped, depending
on the occasion. This outstanding Jaguar is ready to go anywhere and
accompanied by a large history file detailing the work undertaken whilst in the
present ownership.
