Hello,

I'm new to the forum. I'm in search of a xk120 or 140...preferably to restore, that wont cost me two arms and two legs. Any thoughts on the matter? That being said, while looking around for the object of my desire, Ive noticed that some windshields have stand alone chromed frames, while others seem to have windshield frames that appear to be integral, painted parts of the body.

Thanks for any feedback


Louis

 

You'll find the 120 and 140 ots and rdstr have stand alone windscreens. The coupes are integral with the body by a rubber seal. The 150 is in body on all.

You'll find good restorable cars in the 25K-30K area, mostly runners needing lots of work, prices increase from there.

 

Thanks, Jag.

I've been looking on ebay, hemmings, couple other sites...any further ideas where I might get lucky?

Thanks again

Louis

 

I have always taken my time when looking for a car. Most of the Jags I have bought have taken me 6-8 months to find. Keep your eyes on the internet, craigslist (search different cities. JCNA will have high priced cars, Hemmings will have some, best to keep a live internet search and wait. When one comes your way and you feel it's right you won't miss it. Post on wanted sections of different forums and internet sights. Make sure you see it in person before buying, and if in doubt take along a person of knowledge of old cars.

 

absolutely, already got burned on one deal. Looking at one on ebay now. Tell me...is there any intrinsic value difference between the OTS and the DHC? I confess I like the lines at the doors better on the OTS, but having roll up windows is a huge plus...

Thanks for the help

Louis

 

there are a few books with tips for inspecting an XK..Invest a little now in one of those books, read, learn..the biggest things to look for..you should consult such a list as those things are very important to value, cost of restoration, and eventual finished values. Some things are much harder than others to restore. Some things can never be fixed..(replaced engine..so not an orignal numbers matching car..OK..but never the final restored value). Look for rust rot in the sills. OTS (the roadster..open two seat..the chrome frame windshield, no wood on dash, only the side curtain windows) used to be a bit higher value..but..there were more made. Very few of the DropHead, even fewer Fixed (hard roof)..and even fewer right hand drive. You will have to consider what level of restoration you will eventually want. IF..you will want a perfect car, then you will have to re do everything and there is no sense in paying more for a car that has been 80% done by someone else and you paying more for that 80%. A perfect car,,...is a perfect car..and will bring now..upwards of 100,000. Expect to spend 50-80K to restore to that level..so if a purchase price of $30K..well...do the math. The issue is these cars are now some 75 yrs old..and a lot could be wrong..either neglect or prior owner "mis-deeds". Paint, interior and minor body work, new gas tank and fuel lines are the easy, tho not cheap parts. An engine rebuild can be 8-13K.