1954 Jaguar

One-Off Coupe

6 - Cyl.

Manual

S677505

Gasoline

                  1953 Jaguar XK120 DHC by George Barris        Custom Period Built One-off for Barry Goldwater                              George Barris, the "King of the Kustomizers", best known for his Batmobile and other custom cars for TV, celebrities, car collectors and auto shows, is THE icon in the custom built automobile arena. His creations were used in TV-the Munster's car, Beverly Hillbillies, and Knight Rider. He Also modified cars for Elvis Presley, John Wayne and many other celebrities.                    When Barry Goldwater approached Barris to build him a car, George was more than happy to accommodate him. Although several books, and even George himself refer to the car as being an XK140, it is actually an XK120. Here is a well pleased Barry Goldwater with his new toy shortly after taking delivery.                                       Considered by many to be one of Barris' best, this super cool Jaguar XK120 Drophead has surprisingly remained buried from public view for  decades.                                          Recently discovered languishing in a Southern California shop, it is unveiled here and offered for sale for the first time in over 20 years.                                                          An absolutely beautiful piece, it combines the elements of period anglo design harmoniously with the original William Lyons penned lines.            According to George, the fabrication was done by his brother Sam. The workmanship was impeccable. "Frenched" in headlights set in '53 Buick style fender peaks, a custom grill, and a modified Chevy bumper adorned the front. The original modified front bumper is present and in excellent shape.Period photo of the front detail. The rear was modified with a shortened trunk, continental spare, '53 Buick style fenders and a narrowed Cadillac bumper. The dashboard bordered on the ridiculous ....since Barry was an aeronautics aficionado, he had George fit an aluminum dash panel with the stock center cluster and nine extra gauges, all from airplanes.                          There's probably a fortune in vintage airplane gauges here, some of which are nondescript and of unknown function......                                          ......but one thing's for sure-you can see how high you're flying!                                                                    The original matching numbers 6 cylinder Dual Overhead Cam 3.5 Litre engine is present and intact.  No attempt has been made to start it, although it turns freely and would likely be easily brought back to life.                     As mentioned earlier this is an XK120 Drophead Coupe. This is the original factory stamped data plate. The following photos will attest to the heritage of this classic and will show the matching numbers.                    This is the cylinder head number.                            Here is the matching block number.                  Body number.                    And the frame number.                                        The body is incredibly straight, never having suffered a serious accident. Here is a shot down the left side showing the crisp lines.                    The view from the other side likewise shows the razor sharp lines have never been compromised by damage.                                                  This is the right front underneath, showing the structural soundness.                                                    Here is the other side showing the rust free inner fenders and sills.                                                          This is the left rear underneath.                                                          Amazingly, the leather gaiters are still on the springs. Note the custom, non-Jaguar gas tank.                                                    There are no seats with the car, although we believe they were stock Jaguar items. The glass (windshield and door) is missing and would be standard  Jaguar pieces.                                                          The original top frame is intact and complete.                                                          The line of holes at the top of each fender is where a small strip of clear Lucite was attached. It was lit by small bulbs in each of the little scoops just forward of the holes.                                                           They are just visible in this period shot.                                                Here is a shot of the heavily modified trunk area with concealed gas filler neck inside.                                                The following are some more angles and detail shots of this beautiful one-off George Barris custom:                                                                                                Notice the excellent door gaps...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Here is a wonderful car, easily restored and very rare-it's the only one.....If you have ever wanted a truly unique chance to own a famous and important piece of automobile history, this is it. Now is your chance to be not just the only one on the block, but the ONLY ONE ON THE PLANET with such a car......!!                                Please ask any and all questions and read the terms below before bidding. Thank you and good luck!   Terms of This Sale:                                        1) By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read the Terms of this Sale as outlined below and agree to them.            2) If you are the winning high bidder in this auction, you are entering a legal and binding contract to purchase the vehicle, as outlined in the eBay User Agreement . Since bid retractions upset the auction process, any bid retractions without our prior knowledge and approval will cause the auction to end immediately.            3)The car may be viewed in person, by appointment at our location in Costa Mesa, California, prior to the end of the auction. We are conveniently located 7 minutes from Orange County Airport (SNA), and 40 Minutes from LAX. Please email for an appointment. If you have any questions, please ask them BEFORE you bid.              4) Please, bid on this car only if you are serious about owning it and have the funds available. Payment is due in full within 7 days of the end of the auction.              5) The car comes with a clear Certificate of Title. The vehicle is sold "as is, where is," with no warranty. Transportation is the responsibility of the new owner.              6) After the auction has ended, the sale price is final. Thank you and good luck!