Jaguar XK 120 OTS never restored survivor, matching

Our website ruylclassics features 393 detailed photographs, together with the complete vehicle description in both English and Dutch. Our classics can always be seen in our showroom by appointment. Alphons Ruyl Fine Classic Cars Elsloo (NL)

A fully matching numbers Jaguar XK120 OTS with beautifully preserved patina, never restored throughout its more than seventy-year existence.

According to the Jaguar Heritage Certificate, chassis number 673217 was built on 24 November 1952 in the attractive colour combination of Birch Grey with a Biscuit & Red interior and a French Grey soft top. The certificate further confirms that the chassis, body, engine and gearbox numbers still correspond today. On 27 November 1952, the Jaguar was delivered through Hornburg in Los Angeles to its first owner, John E. Duff.

In 1959, the Jaguar came into the ownership of Alan Sundstrom, the car’s third owner. Sundstrom kept the XK120 for more than fifty years and documented an important part of the car’s history in writing. His account states that in 1955 the Jaguar was sold by its first owner, John E. Duff, to Ronald (“Crane”) Kirkbride Jr. of Santa Barbara. Four years later, the XK120 passed into Sundstrom’s ownership. Kirkbride later confirmed that he had purchased the car directly from John Duff. Sundstrom further records that in 1962, following head gasket problems, he stored the Jaguar in a barn and never used it again. In 2013, the car was sold through an intermediary as a genuine barn find to a European specialist in original and unrestored automobiles. One year later, the XK120 found its way to an enthusiast in Colmar, France. With great respect for the car’s originality, the Jaguar was carefully recommissioned. The accompanying invoices document substantial investments in the engine, braking system, cooling system, ignition, transmission and numerous model-specific components.

Since 2021, the Jaguar has been part of my private ownership. During the summer months, the car has been used for what it was originally built to do: driving. In addition to regular maintenance, various technical improvements have been carried out over the past years. Today, the Jaguar presents itself as a technically excellent XK120 that can be enjoyed with confidence without compromising its originality.

The body and chassis remain in exceptionally original condition. Apart from minor traces of surface rust in a few areas, the Jaguar presents itself remarkably well preserved.

The exceptional degree of originality and authenticity sets this Jaguar XK120 apart from restored examples.