1954 Jaguar XK120M Roadster

3,442cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Twin SU carburetors
180bhp at 5,200rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension, Rear Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Offered from the Thomas Hendricks 'Lost Jaguars' Collection
*Originally acquired by Carl Hendricks and bought back by his son in 1961
*A largely unrestored and remarkably preserved example
*Winner of numerous awards for its condition in the 1960s, 70s and 80s
*Matching numbers, extensive history file including JDHT Certificate

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

If you attended any notable concours event in the Delaware area, or perhaps were present at the New York Auto Show in 1968 for the 20th anniversary of Jaguar in America, you would have seen this XK120M, proudly displayed by its late owner Thomas Hendricks, with hand painted signs by his father Carl proclaiming its remarkable originality.

Thomas Hendricks love of cars, engineering and Jaguars specifically unquestionably came from his father. It is said that if you focus your attention enough on something that you want to achieve, then it is possible, and when growing up in Buffalo, New York, despite being employed as a humble motorbike police officer, Carl's desire was to own a Jaguar, no doubt smitten by the brilliant marketing of Heynes and design of William Lyons. He achieved that wish in 1950 when he became an early customer for one of the first series of XK120s. A few years later, he could afford another for his modest garage, and it was this car that he bought.

The 1954 version differed from the first car he purchased, by now the body was made from pressed steel, but more importantly the experience that Jaguar had gained from their success at Le Mans had filtered through to production and uprated versions of the model were offered. For the home market they were termed Special Equipment, or SE's, for the USA the nomenclature was 'M' for modified, either way, the improved model provided its buyer with a C-Type cylinder head, twin exhausts, wire wheels, fog lamps and other accoutrements that added to the already well optioned XK120 package.

Carl Hendricks received chassis S674809 through local agents to Buffalo, Lenz Imported Cars, who in turn collected the car from distributors Hoffman of New York. Its date of dispatch was February 1, 1954 and if one wants to know what it looked like, the evidence is before you today. The color was and is, Birch Grey, one of the best looking schemes for these cars, and wisely he chose the red leather interior that you see before you here. The original top was in a subtle gunmetal grey.

While Hendricks Sr. loved his Jaguars, his family recall that his priorities stood out among his friends as ostentatious and after a few years he decided to part with the Jaguars. Meanwhile, young Thomas was already obsessed with cars and engineering. As soon as he could he'd got a newspaper delivery 'round and with earnings it wasn't long before he was building a hot rod Chevy coupe, it must have been very galling when the Jaguars went away...

By 1961, Thomas had married his wife Susan and they'd accumulated enough for a deposit on their first home together, when he learned that his father's old Jag was on the market. As Susan recounts, she knew that 'resistance was futile' – and the XK120M returned to the fold!

In Hendricks own words – 'At that time, the car still had its original paint, chrome, upholstery and tires, having only been used sparingly during the years for weekend motoring'. He continued in that same vein during 1961 and 1962. 'In the fall of 1962 the decision was made to prepare S674809 for display at various auto shows. To this end, the painstaking process of detailing the car (which was still in exceptional condition) began. The chassis underside was completely scrub brush cleaned and the existing undercoat was brush painted with black enamel – the complete job being completed without any major disassembly. The engine compartment was cleaned with solvent and almost every nut, bolt and fixture in it was chrome plated, a piece at a time; again without major disassembly or engine removal. Several functional accessories were added, including a tachometer in the engine compartment for tuning, a fire extinguisher, trouble lights, and a bug screen over the radiator. Black wrinkle finish was sed on such areas as the radiator, electrical components, and brake drums. The original upholstery was in excellent condition and required only minimal maintenance to meet judging standards.' 'Because of the exceptional condition of the Jag's original paint and chrome (including wheels), only minor touch up and a through polishing were required to bring these up to show standards.'

The car began a circuit of shows that would last for the next two decades. Between showing and constant preparing of the car Hendricks estimated that 'over 5,000 man-hours have been expended in this task'. Ultimately, with more than 50,000 miles on the clock, the carpets were replaced and minor attention to the trim panels where necessary. However, the car remained substantially as it was delivered. To 1979, the car had been shown at more than 50 events, with many wins. It was last shown in 1986, before being quietly retired from competition, while clearly having been the catalyst for numerous others of its breed to join its growing stable.

Unseen, and unused for decades, the Hendricks XK120M is a remarkable example which to many may defy suggestions of the quality of build or finish of these cars in its ability to have been preserved to its condition today. Although carefully stored, and recently made to run, the provision of recommissioning would be recommended before active use. Offered here for the first time in 72 years, this two-family owned car is deserving of continued future care.