This one-off special is based on a Jaguar XK120 and is available from Automotive Restorations in Stratford, Connecticut. It was built by John Fitch, an American racer who raced during the 1950’s and 1960’s in the world sports car championship, winning Sebring and the Mille Miglia, and competing at Le Mans several times as well. This car was built to compete at Le Mans but is reported never to have raced there because Fitch was later signed with Briggs Cunningham. It is an attractive car built in period, with known mechanicals, providing an appealing combination of attributes for event use.
It is unique in the truest sense of the word and is a great looking car. Period specials often have a cobbled together appearance, but this one has a nice coherent look to it. The dark blue livery suits it and it looks like a quality car throughout.
The interior will be instantly familiar to anyone who has spent any time around a Jaguar XK120 or XK140. The instruments, their placement, and the dashboard itself are all directly from an XK120. The shifter is also from an XK120, and the Moto Lita steering wheel looks great. The seats are proper bucket seats while the modern harnesses indicate that the car has been prepared with competition use in mind.
The engine is also straight out of a Jaguar XK120, which means that like the rest of the car, the mechanical upkeep is a known entity that can be entrusted to any mechanic with Jaguar knowledge. The engine compartment looks to have had some race type preparation with tubular headers and remote coolant tank. The fuel cell in the trunk also supports this.
This is a very unique car with a great story. It will be costly no doubt because of this, although less so than the factory-built competition variant of the XK120 (the C-Type). 50’s race cars are great because they are mechanically robust and usable enough that they can be registered for street use. The car would be an enjoyable event car and would of course be great to get on the track for vintage racing events as well.