Description
First registered February 1951, JTM 213 is an original home market XK120 Roadster that lived its early life as a standard road car until the late 1960s. At this time JTM 213 underwent a transformation for racing purposes, boasting an active competition career from the late 1960s through to the late 1970s. This was often in the hands of Paul Grist, the famous restorer of pre-war Alfa Romeos. During this time various upgrades were made, including the engine being switched to a 3. 8-litre unit, disc brakes on the front and the traditional lever arm dampers changed for adjustable telescopic dampers. The body and chassis remained largely original.
JTM was acquired by the current owner, a former Jaguar Apprentice captivated by modified post-war Jaguars, in 1980. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, JTM was used throughout England, occasionally participating in track days. In 1996, it took part in the Norwich Union run from Bath to Donnington, navigating circuits including Castle Combe and Donnington Park.
However, after a relocation in 1998 due to work commitments, JTM 213 saw limited usage for many years until 2009, when the decision was made to initiate a comprehensive recommission due to years of hard use. The XK was entrusted to David Wall Wroxham in Norfolk, following the successful restoration of the owners Jaguar E-Type by him. The engine underwent a complete rebuild by VSE, including D-type cams, the original competition manifold, and the period Sandcast SU carburettors. As often happens, the recommissioning became a complete restoration, delaying JTM’s return to the road for another six years.
Since the restoration, JTM has been little used, with a few club outings including the XK75 anniversary celebration. Having covered approximately 1, 500 miles since restoration, the owner now feels it’s time for JTM to find a new home, in the hands of an enthusiast who will make the most of its capabilities. It has just had a recent recommission and service at a cost of over £7, 000 by Guy Broad Spares Ltd.
We love XK120 Roadsters that have a competition history at club level, as it seems to give them real heart and soul. They’re hard to find, especially in this condition.
