I had a 1954 XK120 Roadster in 1964 while I was stationed in San Diego at the Submarine base at Point Loma ca. I have so many fond memories of my beloved Jag. The best was giving a ride to a very lovely and drunk Movie Star to a cast party in La Jolla ca..I had volunteered as a Stage Crew member for Tennesee Williams Play "Night of the Iguana" at the Old Globe Theater. She had Starred in the Movie Version and was staying with her friends who were hosting the Party. Ava Gardner, Beautiful and talented.
One of the most beautiful cars ever the XK 120 and 140. I never drove one but expected it to be much more confidence inspiring based on Jaguars racing heritage of that era. I have owned and restored a number of vintage 50s era cars and i have to say the 1955 Thunderbird is one of my all time favorites compared to what else was made in that period domestic and abroad, Nick you should try to find a 50s american car like a C1 vette which you will hate and then a Tbird. Would love to hear your feedback comparing them to the Jaguar XK. It def makes you appreciate how good modern cars have become.
Thanks to owner Ryan, colleague Gary, and interviewer Nick. I always like stories of actual factory colors and when they were available. Interesting in that this XK120 and XK140 were on the same production line at one time. This maroon is spectacular. And I do agree with a commenter about how these cars must have wire wheels. It looks so much sportier than the steel wheels with rear wheel spats. This is how a Jaguar sports car should look.
This brings back memories. The first car I ever owned. Bought it for $800 in good running condition in 1960. My mother knew I was crazy. Mine was and XK120M, which meant there was really no exhaust, pipes where straight through. Never got a ticket for speeding, but one for loud exhaust. Only real problem was the fuel pump. It would stop every now and then, and then the passenger would have to hit the floor board, which would open the point of the pump and it would start working again. Still have the Jaguar manual I used to maintain the car.
beautiful! just beautiful! The XK120, the scenery, the roads, the video quality. Ron is an awesome person to preserve the beauty in that car, he did all the right things. He is a true enthusiast. I love how he said the 120 was right because of the "lines" I agree the xk120 is more subtle, soft and pure with the lines than the xk140
The 150, strayed even further away from the original concept, but, Jaguar were aiming at a wider customer range--than just the would--be skinny racer. i.e the more mature enthusiast, with new money to burn, And boy--all the Hollywood rich wanted one.
Wow. A classic, classic among classics. Great job Nick. I would have liked to have heard more about the wheels. But over all very informative and fun to watch. Please do more like this!
When I was in the Air Force in 90 I bought my second car, a 54 XK120 Drop Head Coupe. In the next few years I put 40k miles on it. This included one round trip and a one-way from Topeka to Chicago, all at 100+. Not much went wrong. I adjusted the valves and rebuilt the trans, just because I came by new gears. One error in the video was about synchros. Only first was not, but unlike later boxes, the synchros were machined on each gear, rather than being brass. Another error was styling. The XK140 was a cleaned up 120. The XK150 was significantly different. There were 12000 XK120s built from 48 to 54, and the "120" was for sustained running as 120 mph. It will. They were heading to Le Mans. XK, from 120 to E was for the XK engine. After the AF I worked on European sports cars for several years. I took a very good offer for the Jag after 25 years. Now I have a pair of Spitfires.
I've owned both the 120 and E-Type. The 120 is essentially a pre-war chassis, suspension, brakes, and steering with a lovely engine. The 120 drives like a locomotive. The E-Type's mocoque bodyshell, 4-wheel independent suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, and rack and pinion steering are modern even today. (Only narrow wheel wells limit its performance today.) The E-Type is a joy to drive, especially at sustained high speed. In short, the E-Type is centuries ahead of the XK-120.
The lines, chrome and colour on this thing are a gorgeous combo and only now after years and years is Jag getting there personality back and rep for quality good looking cars.
This is so good to watch, purely because I'm hiring one of these out, for next year as a Christmas present, around Yorkshire. I feel as nervous now, as Nick looks driving the XK120.
Hey Nick, I've been following your videos ever since you had the 911 as i was thinking of buying one at the time. I just wanted to tell you I really appreciate the reviews you bring and how professional and smooth the filming is, you're really starting to master it. Keep up the great work ;)
A pleasant, respectful review of a lovely auld car. And for once, music that complements, not distracts. Thank you. Some of us old car owners are as envious of those quiet, verdant roads in the above as the splendid barouche.
+subaruwrxfan It really made me realize how difficult driving was for our grandparents. I had to fight it every second just to keep it on the road and braking and cornering, forget it. Really interesting experience. I wish I talked about it more in the video, I think I was too focused on not crashing.
Awesome video on such a beautiful car. Work of art is an understatement. However, was I the only one that found it hilarious that Nick was hanging out of the car like a kid riding in a toy car? Apparently the English were a lot shorter and never "heavy" 60 years ago.
This car is a piece of art. I'm more of a modern cars fan but cars like this make me appreciate and love the older ones too. Nick, would it be possible for you to make more videos like this in the future?
When I was 19 in 1962, a XK120 was for sale in Toronto at BA Chev/Olds for $150, als on Lowther Ave where I lived the neighbour across the street had a supercharged Bentley that had been on the British racing team, a huge car in green with the BRT logos. He wanted $10,000...oh the bargains, i did however buy a Mk5? saloon for $165 running and used it
Having a conversation, while driving this historic and valuable beauty---and for the first time, made me feel as nervous ,as he probably did. He drifted over the center lines a few times. As for using the car, a magnificent performing car like this--SHOULD be ''excersized' but I'd be very wary of twiggs and brances falling in wooded areas like this.
Beautiful contrast with interior color to paint color. the car is in impeccable shape besides some slight halos/swirls ....light polish would be perfect
+weaner232323 I really was a handful to drive, getting back into a modern car afterwards really made me appreciate how far we have come. Our grandparents really must have hated long drives.
Very good review and very nice car Nick.....i dont konow if u belive me nick ,but i wait every week for your reviews.....can wait to see the others review that it will come
A perfect restoration. I love these cars but I'd be scared to take this out on the road: it's really too good, if you know what I mean. I quite agree that the XK 120 is the best looking of the series, just as the "original" Z4 and TT are nicer than their successors.
if there's play in the steering it's probably a worn out steering box or rack. these are fine handling cars and if not worn out are a delight to drive on all roads. it's quite common for an otherwise concours level restoration to have steering issues ignored inasmuch as driving the cars that are being judged is not practicable. there can really be some junky cars from a drivability perspective that garner top prizes.
Love this channel. A little constructive criticism. You get excited and seem to cut off the interviewee much too often. I want to hear everything he has to say about his car without you cutting him off, adding your 2 cents, redirecting the conversation or constantly agreeing with a "yup". Found this to be a common problem with your reviews. Keep up with the great content, I enjoy seeing these classic cars!
Its steering mechanism is 1930s vintage recirculating ball. (Jaguar introduced rack and pinion steering on the 1961 E-Type.) It drives like a locomotive.
The film was charming, the photography crisp, clear and sharp.. just lovely. The background scenery is simply glorious.. could you please say where in the country this was filmed.. if you will. Thanks for this. WF
Hi Alan, This is a very professional interview. I will have to invest in some extra equipment like a set of action cameras and microphones etc . Then we can aspire to achieve something similar. Seriously, I would like us to achieve something to this level? Regards Peter
Hey Nick, have you driven the new Mazda MX5/Miata? I would love to hear your opinion of it, especially how it compares to something like the Cayman. Greetings from Australia.
Hello Nick, I really like your posts. You should review the Nissan GT-R and the Audi R8. By the way, the R8´s are cars that really matches to you. I´m from Brazil.
I had a 1954 XK120 Roadster in 1964 while I was stationed in San Diego at the Submarine base at Point Loma ca. I have so many fond memories of my beloved Jag. The best was giving a ride to a very lovely and drunk Movie Star to a cast party in La Jolla ca..I had volunteered as a Stage Crew member for Tennesee Williams Play "Night of the Iguana" at the Old Globe Theater. She had Starred in the Movie Version and was staying with her friends who were hosting the Party. Ava Gardner, Beautiful and talented.
You were certainly twice blessed.
A very beautiful car. Looks beautiful even today
Had a 52 120 coupe in 1956 at 16 years old. Dad's old car. Birthday gift.
My Dad bought an XK120M new in 1954. White with green interior. We all loved that car. Great memories.
It's a beautiful car parked, or moving. the sound of the 4.2 liter six is music. It's a masterpiece on wheels. It's a joy to see.
What a beautiful car and a thoroughly decent owner. Thanks for sharing Nick.
One of the most beautiful cars ever the XK 120 and 140. I never drove one but expected it to be much more confidence inspiring based on Jaguars racing heritage of that era. I have owned and restored a number of vintage 50s era cars and i have to say the 1955 Thunderbird is one of my all time favorites compared to what else was made in that period domestic and abroad, Nick you should try to find a 50s american car like a C1 vette which you will hate and then a Tbird. Would love to hear your feedback comparing them to the Jaguar XK. It def makes you appreciate how good modern cars have become.
Wow, what a beautiful car and the owner such a nice guy. Awesome.
Man I love older people so much knowledge and so polite
All 120s are beautiful, the color makes this one stunning.
Thanks to owner Ryan, colleague Gary, and interviewer Nick. I always like stories of actual factory colors and when they were available. Interesting in that this XK120 and XK140 were on the same production line at one time. This maroon is spectacular. And I do agree with a commenter about how these cars must have wire wheels. It looks so much sportier than the steel wheels with rear wheel spats. This is how a Jaguar sports car should look.
This brings back memories. The first car I ever owned. Bought it for $800 in good running condition in 1960. My mother knew I was crazy. Mine was and XK120M, which meant there was really no exhaust, pipes where straight through. Never got a ticket for speeding, but one for loud exhaust. Only real problem was the fuel pump. It would stop every now and then, and then the passenger would have to hit the floor board, which would open the point of the pump and it would start working again. Still have the Jaguar manual I used to maintain the car.
I love in-depth review of classic cars! What a beautiful Jag!
beautiful! just beautiful! The XK120, the scenery, the roads, the video quality. Ron is an awesome person to preserve the beauty in that car, he did all the right things. He is a true enthusiast. I love how he said the 120 was right because of the "lines" I agree the xk120 is more subtle, soft and pure with the lines than the xk140
The 150, strayed even further away from the original concept, but, Jaguar were aiming at a wider customer range--than just the would--be skinny racer. i.e the more mature enthusiast, with new money to burn, And boy--all the Hollywood rich wanted one.
Hats off to the owner for going after his dream and Nick, this is my first comment on TH-cam!! So better keep with the good work mate!!
Wow. A classic, classic among classics. Great job Nick. I would have liked to have heard more about the wheels. But over all very informative and fun to watch. Please do more like this!
When I was in the Air Force in 90 I bought my second car, a 54 XK120 Drop Head Coupe. In the next few years I put 40k miles on it. This included one round trip and a one-way from Topeka to Chicago, all at 100+. Not much went wrong. I adjusted the valves and rebuilt the trans, just because I came by new gears. One error in the video was about synchros. Only first was not, but unlike later boxes, the synchros were machined on each gear, rather than being brass. Another error was styling. The XK140 was a cleaned up 120. The XK150 was significantly different. There were 12000 XK120s built from 48 to 54, and the "120" was for sustained running as 120 mph. It will. They were heading to Le Mans. XK, from 120 to E was for the XK engine. After the AF I worked on European sports cars for several years. I took a very good offer for the Jag after 25 years. Now I have a pair of Spitfires.
Sorry - typo. I was in the USAF in Topeka in 1969.
Winged variety ?
5 people hate cars, WTF? Stunning car, and a great tour of it. Thanks for sharing!
Probably people that believe 4 wheel drift was invented by the Japanese street drivers, rather that the 50's racers like Sterling Moss.
What a beautiful car. My hats off to the guy for restoring it
Thanks to the owner for sharing, and you Nick for the filming. Beautiful car - makes the E-Type look a bit childish by design!
I've owned both the 120 and E-Type. The 120 is essentially a pre-war chassis, suspension, brakes, and steering with a lovely engine. The 120 drives like a locomotive.
The E-Type's mocoque bodyshell, 4-wheel independent suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, and rack and pinion steering are modern even today. (Only narrow wheel wells limit its performance today.) The E-Type is a joy to drive, especially at sustained high speed.
In short, the E-Type is centuries ahead of the XK-120.
@@russbellew6378 AND, when ENZIO FARRARI clapped eyes on it, he said ''That is the most beautiful car in the world''.
Beautiful car and yes a hell of a nice owner , thanks for showing us your stunning car :)
The lines, chrome and colour on this thing are a gorgeous combo and only now after years and years is Jag getting there personality back and rep for quality good looking cars.
A beautiful film about one of the most beautiful cars ever designed. Thanks Nick! :)
This is so good to watch, purely because I'm hiring one of these out, for next year as a Christmas present, around Yorkshire. I feel as nervous now, as Nick looks driving the XK120.
Hey Nick,
I've been following your videos ever since you had the 911 as i was thinking of buying one at the time.
I just wanted to tell you I really appreciate the reviews you bring and how professional and smooth the filming is, you're really starting to master it.
Keep up the great work ;)
+nngib Thanks for the kind comment.
Great build Sir!!
A pleasant, respectful review of a lovely auld car. And for once, music that complements, not distracts. Thank you.
Some of us old car owners are as envious of those quiet, verdant roads in the above as the splendid barouche.
Holy shit, that car is amazingly beautiful to be made 61 years ago
+Lewis080 Incredible
Walter Strong Yeah, very close to prefection when it comes to design.
Beautiful don’t you think?
Yet another AMAZING review! Thanks nick!
Great video. I definitely enjoy some of these older car reviews. Review another classic Porsche!
During the startup, your "pilot" sense was showing. Also, your videos are such high quality they look "easy" Very well done.
+biffy7 He he yes, almost said Ts and Ps in the green.
Very cool review Nick! I'd love to review something this old, it must have been an awesome experience!
+subaruwrxfan It really made me realize how difficult driving was for our grandparents. I had to fight it every second just to keep it on the road and braking and cornering, forget it. Really interesting experience. I wish I talked about it more in the video, I think I was too focused on not crashing.
and awesome expense, no doubt
i guess it is kinda randomly asking but do anybody know of a good site to stream new tv shows online?
@Louis Jesiah Meh I use flixportal. you can find it if you google :) -westin
@Westin Kamari thanks, signed up and it seems to work :) Appreciate it !
Awesome car and nice review Nick.Thumbs up from New Zealand.:)
Great video Nick. The drone aeirial shot was a nice touch!
That Jaguar is in pristine condition.
Awesome video on such a beautiful car. Work of art is an understatement. However, was I the only one that found it hilarious that Nick was hanging out of the car like a kid riding in a toy car? Apparently the English were a lot shorter and never "heavy" 60 years ago.
+Blake Findeis magilla gorilla
The XK-120 is one of those cars in which you LOOK better driving it than you feel. I suppose if you're under 5'9" it would be okay.
What a beautiful car. I'm really jealous :D
beautiful car, beautiful review. wish you could have opened it up a little bit, bit hard to do with the owner sitting next to you, ha-ha.
This car is a piece of art. I'm more of a modern cars fan but cars like this make me appreciate and love the older ones too. Nick, would it be possible for you to make more videos like this in the future?
Lovely car, and the rims, all Jags should have spokes.
When I was 19 in 1962, a XK120 was for sale in Toronto at BA Chev/Olds for $150, als on Lowther Ave where I lived the neighbour across the street had a supercharged Bentley that had been on the British racing team, a huge car in green with the BRT logos. He wanted $10,000...oh the bargains, i did however buy a Mk5? saloon for $165 running and used it
A very beautiful car. Ralph Lauren’s made me love XKs
Having a conversation, while driving this historic and valuable beauty---and for the first time, made me feel as nervous ,as he probably did. He drifted over the center lines a few times. As for using the car, a magnificent performing car like this--SHOULD be ''excersized' but I'd be very wary of twiggs and brances falling in wooded areas like this.
Absolutely stunning!
Jaguars have cigar lighters as opposed to cigarette lighters.
Beautiful car as are most jags.
What a car! Thanks for the good review!
Beautiful contrast with interior color to paint color. the car is in impeccable shape besides some slight halos/swirls ....light polish would be perfect
Great review. Now for some strange reason, I feel a cup of tea and biscuits are in order.
Beautiful car and scenery! Thank you for sharing!:)
Awesome video Nick, looked like quite the difficult car to drive! Nothing like the sound of a classic inline 6... even if it only makes 160hp.
+weaner232323 I really was a handful to drive, getting back into a modern car afterwards really made me appreciate how far we have come. Our grandparents really must have hated long drives.
Haha indeed.
Wow, what a beautiful car
Stunning car, great work as always.
Very good review and very nice car Nick.....i dont konow if u belive me nick ,but i wait every week for your reviews.....can wait to see the others review that it will come
Really enjoyed thanks Nick and to the owners.
Beautiful XK.
Beautiful color
A perfect restoration. I love these cars but I'd be scared to take this out on the road: it's really too good, if you know what I mean. I quite agree that the XK 120 is the best looking of the series, just as the "original" Z4 and TT are nicer than their successors.
I noticed that Nick went well past the stop line. Perhaps they don't have those in New Zealand.
Beautiful car. If you visit Munich you can try my 1965 Citroen DS
+Andrew Coom Oh I LOVE the DS
Beautiful, classy, amazing vintage car ❤️🇬🇧❤️🇬🇧❤️🇬🇧❤️🇬🇧❤️🇬🇧
u are the best nick,and hope to see a dodge viper review
The design of this car is understated. perhaps that is good so maybe I will be able to afford one...
What a pretty car.
on what roads do you film these? It's a really great setting, looks like a nice drive as well.
You should come drive mine. I take it well over 100, Its super easy car to drive.
Stunning car. Originally the wire wheels were painted not chromed.
ha raggiunto la maturità con i modelli XK 140 e iniziato la decadenza con i modelli XK 150
the body styling is so beautiful......if i win the lotto i will buy a kit car of that jaguar and use an an all toyota parts so i could daily driver it
that car is so clean, great video, thanx.
why does this have so few views? very nice and informative video. and nice car of course, too.
awesome video nick, really enjoying your channel :)
+TheCarista Thanks
Very beautiful car. Wouldn't dare touch it.
The XK-120's wire wheels and dashboard grab handle were painted - not chromed.
I like the bloopers in the end, i would not have to stones to upload them :)
if there's play in the steering it's probably a worn out steering box or rack. these are fine handling cars and if not worn out are a delight to drive on all roads.
it's quite common for an otherwise concours level restoration to have steering issues ignored inasmuch as driving the cars that are being judged is not practicable. there can really be some junky cars from a drivability perspective that garner top prizes.
Nice video. You should review an E-Type next :)
Love this channel. A little constructive criticism. You get excited and seem to cut off the interviewee much too often. I want to hear everything he has to say about his car without you cutting him off, adding your 2 cents, redirecting the conversation or constantly agreeing with a "yup". Found this to be a common problem with your reviews. Keep up with the great content, I enjoy seeing these classic cars!
+Nismo GTR Thanks for the feedback, I really was not that happy with this review, as you say it was quite choppy and I will work on improving this.
+Nick Murray sounds great! If you ever want to review an R32 GTR let me know.
Was just about to write the same! A common occurrence with some people and incredibly irritating. Poor listening skills!
You're one lucky bloak to drive that old Jag , looked immaculate , how plush was the bench seat ?
Awesome review/video , great shots ! :)
highly enjoyable! Amazing car and review!
This is crazy!!! I know his son Gary!! What a coincidence!!!!
How much does this cost? I can't even imagine having this
Simply majestic.
simply beautiful car
that was a great video mate
Sublime in every way. Thanks for sharing.
That's a really wonderful car, too bad I'll never own one so this vid will have to do!
steering must be real tough on that little beauty :)
+Samski1987 It was really a handful.
Its steering mechanism is 1930s vintage recirculating ball. (Jaguar introduced rack and pinion steering on the 1961 E-Type.) It drives like a locomotive.
The film was charming, the photography crisp, clear and sharp.. just lovely.
The background scenery is simply glorious.. could you please say where in the country this was filmed.. if you will.
Thanks for this.
WF
Wonderful machine!
Love the bloopers
Hi Alan, This is a very professional interview. I will have to invest in some extra equipment like a set of action cameras and microphones etc . Then we can aspire to achieve something similar. Seriously, I would like us to achieve something to this level?
Regards
Peter
Hey Nick, have you driven the new Mazda MX5/Miata? I would love to hear your opinion of it, especially how it compares to something like the Cayman. Greetings from Australia.
+scanspeak00 Working on doing a review on the new one before summer is over.
Hello Nick, I really like your posts. You should review the Nissan GT-R and the Audi R8. By the way, the R8´s are cars that really matches to you. I´m from Brazil.
Nick you must have felt scared to death of scratch that precious thing...
+Blackcupra43 Oh dropping a camera on it would have been BAD, it was a little nervous .
I had my 1960 Dodge Dart up to 125 once... drums and dunlops
+Martin Espinoza Balls of steel : )
Beautiful!
James May drove one when they did the train vs the car vs bike mind that was a coupe
Amazing car!
That startup though
Stunning car
Very Stately. Love it.
Выглядит как игрушечная! ))