John Z. Goriup Posted October 9, 2021 Share #1 Posted October 9, 2021 Advertisement (gone after registration) In 1950 prominent Los Angeles architect Don Parkinson purchased one of the very first XK 120s brought into the US. A few weeks after he picked the car up he entered it in the Pebble Beach race, lost control in a curve wrecked the car. Fortunately unhurt, he asked his brother-in-law, young Phil Hill, to take charge of what should be done with it. The car was so severely damaged in the crash, that P. Hill ( in 1961 to become the first American F-1 champion ) and Chuck Daigh ( later of Reventow Atomotive Inc. fame ) concluded that the thing was beyond repair, but that the drive train and several other key parts were salvageable, and that the car should be rebuilt as a 'Special' full-fledged race car. So began a year-long process to rebuild the Jag, by straightening, lightening and modifying the frame, rebuilding & relocating the engine approx.12 inches to the rear and lowering it in the frame by a couple of inches, and having famed race car builders Troutman-Barnes rebuild, modify & enlarge the motor from 3.4 liter to 3.8 liters with higher compression and C cams, and commissioning Robert Cumberford ( later to become a styling executive at GM and author of several books and articles on automotive design) to design the all-aluminum body. The thing enjoyed a successful career during the early and mid 50s scoring quite a few victories at US tracks. After its retirement in 1955 the car has continued to be raced in American racing to this day and represents one of the top period vintage racers today. A beautiful car, beautifully prepared & maintained and full of history involving some of the country's best and most well-known 'car guys'. M240-P / 35mm Summilux FLE JZG Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 6 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/325215-jaguar-with-an-interesting-background/?do=findComment&comment=4288972'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 9, 2021 Posted October 9, 2021 Hi John Z. Goriup, Take a look here Jaguar with an interesting background. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
John Z. Goriup Posted October 9, 2021 Author Share #2 Posted October 9, 2021 ..............and a rear view. JZG Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/325215-jaguar-with-an-interesting-background/?do=findComment&comment=4288973'>More sharing options...
John Z. Goriup Posted October 9, 2021 Author Share #3 Posted October 9, 2021 The original motor is in storage to preserve authenticity, and a later 3.8 motor has been installed, built to the identical specs of gthe original engine. Thanks for looking, JZG Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 5 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/325215-jaguar-with-an-interesting-background/?do=findComment&comment=4288974'>More sharing options...
stuny Posted October 9, 2021 Share #4 Posted October 9, 2021 A wonderful story and set of photos. thank you. Keep them coming. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louis Posted October 10, 2021 Share #5 Posted October 10, 2021 (edited) I love it. This brand used to be so iconic for design and what a pity it couldn’t keep its reputation! Edited October 19, 2021 by Louis Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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