I have 2 Austin Healeys, a 67 BJ8 and a 59 100-6, both in excellent condition. I have always wanted a XK120 and recently found one in pretty good shape but will need work, which is what I want. My dilemma is that the owner wants to trade the XK for my 100-6. Just looking for some advice from you XK owners whether or not it's a good trade. Are theXK engines reliable? Looking at that engine, I don't think there is much i could do if a serious issue came up. With the Healey's I can do all but a rebuild. Thanks in advance for your help and advice.

 

The XK engines are very reliable in their original 3.4 litre form introduced in the XK120, so I would have no worries on that score, but you need to tell us more about the car, because neglect is never good for a car of any age.
Other thing to say is, don't be daunted by the XK engine, it is simplicity itself for a DOHC engine. I have worked on two in my time, a 2.4 litre and a 4.2 litre. The latter I rebuilt around a replacement block. I never had any problems working on these engines, but you do need to be careful at certain stages in the engine build. So what work does it need doing ?


Only other thing to say is that the Jaguar will have the original Moss gearbox which has no synchro on first gear, but I think this is the same as your Healeys.

 

Thank you very much for your response. Would you be able to call me? Send me a message to my email and I will send you my cell. I need to make a decision today so I really appreciate your experience with these cars. The XK120 is my dream car. Kevin

 

What was your decision? I’m curious if you have joined the JagHealey owner club? I purchased a ‘55 140 OTS November 2020 and a ‘60 BT7 last November. Love them both!

 

Having owned Jags and Healeys I would stay with the Healeys. I think the 100/6 is a better driving and more civilized car than the XK 120
Jaguars are great cars and having owned heaps of them I really appreciate their engineering and affinity or whatever you feel about a car
But with really old Jags like the XK120 ( roughly 70+years) you need heaps of dedication to put up with the problems in restoration (as well as lots of money)

As a 21 year old nearly 60 years ago I pulled my Jag MK7 engine apart and put it back together by paying scrupulous attention to a workshop manual.
It did another 70,000 miles after which I sold it. So you don't have to be a genius to work on the engine.

At the same time I am suspicious of the XK 120 offer and needing "work". Sounds like a "gunna do" has given up if the 120 can't be presented in good form.

Keep the Healey