One to Buy: ex-Clark Gable 1952 Jaguar XK120 OTS Roadster George Barris Custom
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Hollywood icon Clark Gable owned three Jaguar XK120 OTS Roadsters. His first was chassis 670003 (completed in June 1949, the third left-hand drive XK120 built), his second was chassis 672282 (completed May ‘52) and his third was this car: chassis 672623 (completed July ‘52).
Not only the last, chassis 672623 was arguably Gable’s most distinctive XK120, having been sent to the legendary customisation shop of George Barris. Here, the headlight trim was shaved, the trunk lid was smoothed and the rear licence plate repositioned for a cleaner look. Similarly, the fender-mounted turn-signal plinths and exterior mirrors were deleted.
Most striking though was Gable’s request for a Carson-style hardtop trimmed in tan fabric to mimic the appearance of a canvas roof. The XK120’s factory Battleship Grey paint was switched to a sophisticated light gold and its original red upholstery retained.
On January 28th, chassis 672623 will be going under the hammer as part of The Boeckmann Collection during RM Sotheby’s sale in Phoenix, Arizona.
According to RM Sotheby’s: “The car is believed to have remained in California through 1956 when it was sold and reportedly saw little use over the ensuing decades. In 2010, its extraordinary history was rediscovered by an Illinois enthusiast who immediately recognised the significance of its unusual hardtop and surviving Barris badges. His research ultimately led him to George Barris himself, who not only remembered the car and the work performed by his shop but produced a period photograph depicting Gable with the Jaguar, accompanied by a personal thank-you note acknowledging the custom work.
The XK120 was subsequently entrusted to marque specialist Jim Kakuska of JK Restorations in Oswego, Illinois, where it underwent a meticulous concours-quality restoration with particular attention paid to faithfully recreating the distinctive details that set Gable’s car apart. Upon completion, the restoration’s quality was recognised through invitations to some of the world’s most prestigious automotive gatherings, including displays at Pebble Beach, Amelia Island, and Greenwich.”
“Today, the XK120 presents with the same combination of individuality and glamour that would have captivated Gable more than seven decades ago. Its lustrous gold-bronze finish provides a spectacular contrast to the richly trimmed cabin, upholstered in red leather with matching cockpit rails and complementary dashboard details. Above it sits the meticulously restored hardtop, retaining its tan canvas exterior and leather-trimmed parcel shelf.
Importantly, inspection has confirmed that the car retains its matching-numbers chassis, body, engine, and cylinder head. It is further accompanied by a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, a Barris Kustom Certificate of Authenticity, and images of Gable with the car.”
