Jaguar Special XK120 OTS (Roadster)

1955 Jaguar XK120

My XK140 is now a re-bodied XK120 Special. #S818439 was delivered to its first owner as a DHC in April 1956 by Jaguar distributor Jaguar Cars NY.
Several years ago, being tall and getting on in life but still attracted to the clean lines of the XK120 I began the task of buildinga Jaguar special that would be easily recognizable as an XK120 but have features from later models that would make it easier to drive and enjoy.
On top of an original restored XK140 chassis, one of several I have owned for many years, I installed a completely rebuilt 4.2 liter XKE enginewith dual 2 inch SU carbs and matching transmission taken from 1968 XKE doner car wrecked in CA in the 90s.
The rest of the drivetrain has beenoverhauled and a dual stainless exhaust fitted.
The drivers floor has been extended to accommodate any tall driver. Hydraulic clutch and brake assemblies including booster from a XK150 eliminatethe sloppiness of the XK140 mechanical system.
Disc brakes from a XK150 have been fitted in front, with the XK140 drum rears rebuilt with new cylinders, stainless lines andnew flexible hoses.
Cooling has been upgrade with a re-cored XK150 radiator and fairing.
Steering is now rack and pinion from a XK150 with new woodrimmed steering wheel.
All suspension bushings have been replaced and new rear springs with gators fitted.
A new aluminum fuel tank has beeninstalled.
Avon tires on factory 5.5 x 16 inch rims complete the undercarriage.
The body shell is a real all steel XK120 OTS assembled by Ellery of Piru CA using a new aluminum trunk (boot) lid and both door assemblies from Leaping Cats.
In front, the factory aluminum hood (bonnet), is from an XK140 roadster, needed to facilitate the larger radiator, is now fitted with a XK120 grille andleaper from an XK150.
Rear fender skirts (spats) give an elegant look and are easily removed for track use if required.
Painted off the chassis in factory Cotswold blue,all gaps have been adjusted for a perfect fit.
Being the former owner of World Upholstery and Trim, I had the interior is made from original XK120patterns except for the instrument panel which is from a XK150.
Panels including the trunk (boot) are finished in blue Rexine with Connolly leather cockpit surround and seating,carpeting is Wilton wool from BAS.
New wiring looms, cloth braided, connect the rebuilt XK150 instruments, switches and all new electrical units.
Theconvertible top, fitted over rebuilt hood sticks has been stitched in canvas with a chrome surround hard window in the back.
Sealing rubbers and bodygrommets of rubber have all been renewed.
Glass in the triple chromed windshield frame is new and all other bright-work including the bumpershas received the same treatment.
Since completion and now maintained in running condition at my shop in Southern Californiait still needs alignment, booster tank connection and final sorting to be ready for road or rally use.
Soon to be on Bring a Trailer, along with my 1955 DB2/4 DHC and 1950 Alloy XK120, get more information at www.XK120limited.com or mike@xkss.com