1953 JAGUAR XK

PTT 304 began its remarkable journey in Devon on 12 November 1953. Finished in Pastel Green with a Suede Green interior, it has enjoyed a rich and varied history. Over the years, it has been displayed at the Totnes Motor Museum and the World of Country Life Museum, achieved competition success at the Wiscombe Hill Climb, participated in the Journées d’Automne, and was exhibited at the Concours of Elegance. It also completed an impressive 4,000km European tour in the Arlberg Classic Rally.

As a young mechanic, Mr Harrison first saw the car when it was delivered to A.C. Bulpin in 1953. Unable to afford it at the time, he purchased it from the original owner five years later, beginning an extraordinary 60-year custodianship. During this period, he rallied the Jaguar XK120 extensively, notably achieving Fastest Time of the Day at Wiscombe Hill Climb in 1966.

Throughout his ownership, the car evolved considerably. It was fitted with a tuned 3.8-litre engine featuring a lightened flywheel, wide sump, competition clutch, balanced crankshaft, and a polished and ported cylinder head. Initially equipped with an experimental Tecalemit fuel injection system, this was later replaced with twin SU carburettors.

In 2017, David Long acquired the car and successfully completed a 900-mile XK Owners’ Club Coastal Tour.

In 2020, our very own Merlin purchased the car in an effort to lift the spirits during lockdown. However, on the journey home, the engine overheated and failed. The car was subsequently entrusted to renowned Jaguar specialist Guy Broad in Coventry for investigation. The non-original 3.8-litre block was found to have cracked. Guy supplied a replacement 3.8 block and undertook a comprehensive rebuild to fast-road specification, significantly enhancing both power and performance. The works included:

3.8-litre engine built to 9:1 compression with oversize E-Type pistons

Uprated connecting rods and fast-road camshafts

Big-valve cylinder head

New SU carburettors

Stainless steel exhaust system

Broadsport 5-speed gearbox

4.2 E-Type 9.5” diaphragm clutch

Upgraded wiring loom

Electronic ignition

Zeus servo-assisted disc brake conversion (front and rear)

Adjustable dampers

Upgraded or replaced suspension and chassis components

Rebuilt steering box and hubs

New spoked wire wheels and tyres

By 2025, having covered nearly 25,000 miles under Merlin’s ownership, the car was sold to a friend and the current custodian. It was returned to Guy Broad for a comprehensive mechanical and cosmetic restoration, including:

Engine refresh and rebuild

Pedal box extension

Refurbished steering

Full LED lighting conversion

Complete respray in Pastel Green

Replacement or rechroming of all brightwork

New discs and pads

New tyres

Replacement and upgrading of various electrical, suspension, and chassis components

In addition, the cockpit has been fully retrimmed in Suede Green Connolly leather, complemented by a new mohair hood and tonneau cover by Unrivalled Coach Trimming. Over the past five years alone, in excess of £140,000 has been invested in the car.

PTT 304 is offered with an extensive service history, memorabilia, its original number plates, and toolkit. This Jaguar XK120 represents a rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored example with exceptional provenance.

As with all our vehicles, a comprehensive digital folder is available upon request, containing additional photography, walk-around videos, and scanned service documentation. The car is available for viewing by appointment at our West London showroom.