An Almost Original Owners Original XK120
“This is me in 1972 doing an engine restoration on my Jaguar. I bought the car in 1964 from Auto Engineering. I was the second owner.”
It is not often that we have the pleasure of bringing a significant collectable classic back to life for the guy who bought it in its first life's prime...when it was just a well used sports car. Collecting XK 120 Jags had not come on the horizon circa 1964. Oh how things have changed!! Bringing this one back was indeed a great ride!
It is both interesting and a privilege to restore a basically untouched as original, albeit decayed, machine from the early nineteen-fifties into this, the 3rd millennium. And rarer still that this should come our way in the form of a Jaguar XK120, the brilliant example of Sir William Lyons creative intelligence that served to put Jaguar so substantially on the post war sports and performance leader’s pole.
Dick Couch E-mailed us one fine day in October of 2009 to say he had this once gray and great though now somewhat dilapidated, but complete, XK120 Roadster tucked away in the same spot for decades. It had been about 25 years idle and he was interested in playing a proactive role in the revival of the car he’d purchased in 1964. “YES we can, we’d be delighted “ was our answer.
January 2010 - 1953 Jaguar XK120 number S 674723 - Here’s where we started: Stored years, original paints still in place….mostly!
Soon apart and we find that the “tin worm” has indeed had his way with 674723. The sills were a thing of the past and some mice had nested and rusted the upper cowl!
XK 120 number 674723 was well to our north in Hanover, New Hampshire. Some weeks later, truck and trailer ventured forth from the shop. A relatively short while later the car you see here arrived at our shops. IT NEEDED EVERYTHING, but it’s owner knew that, and was undeterred in his commitment to see his old car just as it once was.
Step 1 - define and quantify all we found:
Step 2 - rebuild the platform and key components,
Step 3 - Restore, refinish and preserve body & chassis
Step 4 - Assemble and test
Step 5 - 26 months of constructive endeavor DONE and Delivered
Thanks from us all @ ARI for both the opportunity to practice our craft properly and those kind, appreciative words following delivery.
February 2010 - Major structural reconstruction needed: Body separated into front and rear sections
Later that year: Front and rear rejoined yielding a restored, solid body shell once again. Boot lid required the usual wood frame work attended with spare well rebuilt.
Finishing: February into early April 2011 – XK120 3 674723 finds our finishing department and receives it’s just due in the form of Glasurit 55 line 2 stage finishing system color matched to the original gray.
Mid April 2011: Restored body shell moves into assembly area and all the while a variety of vehicle components have been in process. Differential put right, engine in process, chassis powder coated while the complete power unit is run in on our engine dyno.
It is summer of 2011 as things all come together and we know that s2011’s sports car season will soon be waning. Lots to do and we are very relieved to know that our client is focused quality vs. delivery days.
Mid May, 2011: The moment of truth; All that reconstruction, measuring, finishing, testing and craftsmanship comes to bear as body meets frame again.
Coming together: Nicely we think as XK 120S # S674723 starts to look new again! ….or at least a good deal younger!!
Well, it took 26 months of hard work ending in a February Delivery. We enjoyed it all and are thankful for the opportunity, patience and process understanding allowing us to do our job… pridefully and properly!
THIS…………………………………………….…………… to…………………………………………….. THIS tells the tale best
And in Conclusion, well over a year since completion:
Mr. Couch notes that he’s had a good time with the car since delivery and especially now, as I write this, in the fall of 2013. The Couch’s delight in taking long leisure time road trips in their beautiful part of the world. Country drives amidst New Hampshire’s superb fall foliage are indeed a particular treat in their top down beauty. XK 120S # S674723 continues to look just right and run quickly and smoothly, just as it should. We appreciate Dick’s support and the opportunity to put this great old machine back into service. We feel an accomplishment in being just a small part of the ongoing enjoyment. Drive on, with all our best wishes!
