A Pair of XK's at Bonhams Paris

With the 2019 Paris Bonhams auction done and dusted we review two of the latest Jaguar’s to cross the block. Out of the 140 automobiles on sale at the magnificent Grand Palais, only two were waving the Jaguar flag, a sign of owner confidence?

1952 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

With slim pickings, we might as well leap into the first to go under the hammer. A fully restored 1952 XK120 Roadster, finished in Silver paired with a Red leather interior. First delivered to the USA and finished in the same colour combination as it displays today, the car is a sight to behold.

Benefitting from a recent nut and bolt restoration by “some of the best Jaguar specialists in the Midlands where it originated”, the buyer should feel reassured that this example has been thoroughly gone through, an area demanded by market?

It wasn’t all positives for the XK120, the downside?

Well, those who strive for originality, the XK120 does, unfortunately, fall down slightly. With a largely empty history up until 2014 when the car entered a full restoration. The Xk120 also features a Cosworth five-speed gearbox in the place of a period production correct 4-speed Moss. As an E-type specialist, E-Type UK are familiar with upgrades, especially those that make the car more in keeping with modern usability. This wouldn’t be a deal break for us and didn’t appear to hold the car back on the day.

Hammering at €92,500, 2.8% above the bottom end of the estimate, a feat that RM Sotheby’s couldn’t match with their 1953 Jaguar XK120 which also benefitted from a 5-speed gearbox, this said, the RM Sotheby’s has now sold at €88,000 on the hammer. With both Bonhams and RM Sotheby's selling a fine looking XK120's, it appears both auction houses a fair car for a fair price. 

1958 Jaguar XK150 S 3.4L Roadster

As we move on, we stay with the XK theme, the second and final Jaguar to go under the Bonhams hammer was a 1958 XK150 S Roadster, with an estimate of €135,000 – €165,000, so what was on offer?

Finished in the forever classic combination of British Racing Green with Suede green leather interior and a black hood, this XK150 S ticks all the boxes for those hunting for originality. Starting its life in New York and was once owned by the famous French racing driver, Fréderic Dor.

It is not only the racing ownership that is attractive about this example. The XK150 S has also benefitted like the XK120 to a full restoration in Germany in 1995 this original S spec XK stands to be a stunning example of a thoroughbred Jaguar and as Bonhams point out, ideal for touring events and rallies.

This XK150 S with a bottom end of €135,000, appeared on the surface keenly priced. We were surprised to see the car hammer fall 18.5% BELOW the bottom end. Meaning there is one happy Jaguar owner for this lovely XK150 S at just €110K (excluding premium), doesn’t look like a bad price paid!