1952 Jaguar XK120 Coupé

Registration no. VSL 411 Chassis no. S680335

Footnotes

Having seen Nigel Dawes' extensively updated XK120 on a rally to Denmark in the late 1990s, Trojan Limited's boss, Peter Agg, felt his company could improve on Dawes' effort. A left-hand drive ex-California car was chosen as most of Agg's rallying was in Europe and the USA, shipped to the UK and registered as 'VSL 411'. Dawes' XK120 had been prepared by John May of XK Developments in Tewkesbury, so Agg's XK120 was taken there to be stripped down to the bare chassis and rebuilt to an agreed specification: Trojan would prepare the engine and gearbox while alterations to the body, chassis, and suspension would be entrusted to John May. It was agreed to keep the car as close to original specification as possible, so the engine was kept at 3.4 litres capacity but fitted with sporting cams, twin 2" SU H8 carburettors, and steel valves and valve seats for unleaded fuel. A maximum output of 220bhp was the aim.

XK Developments seam-welded and rust-treated the chassis, which was rebuilt with upgraded suspension, adjustable shock absorbers, four-wheel disc brakes, four-pot brake callipers, offset rack-and-pinion steering (XK140), a five-speed gearbox, high-ratio rear axle, and D-Type wheels. The cooling system too has been up-rated with a slope radiator and top tank, and an electric fan to prevent overheating in hot climates. Externally the car has a louvred bonnet, Monza-type fuel filler cap, and a lightweight bumper fitted with indicator lights. Inside there is an altered pedal box, while the racing-type bucket seats are set back, both of these modifications making for much improved ergonomics.

'VSL 411' has competed in many rallies: Le Mans, Écurie Écosse, Tour de France, Tuscany, and Southern Italy, as well as events in Northern Europe, encountering no problems with maintained high-speed cruising at 90-100mph (circa 3,000-3,500rpm). Accompanying documentation includes a Jaguar Heritage Certificate, V5C Registration Certificate, FIA Historic Vehicle Identity Form, and Peter Agg's account of the car's history.

Finished in Francorchamps Yellow with black trim, 'VSL 411' remains in excellent condition having been very well maintained. A striking and usable car put together by one of the best in the business, this extensively improved XK120 is ready to go touring with its fortunate next owner.