Global Courant 2023-05-09 17:53:48
It’s a car absolutely fit for a movie star.
A 1952 Jaguar XK120 originally owned by Clark Gable is listed for sale for the first time since 1982.
The Battleship Gray roadster was delivered to the Hollywood legend in Cornwall, UK, where he worked on the movie “Never Let Me Go”.
The XK120 was the fastest production car in the world.
3 ALL-NEW 2010 TESLA ROADSTERS DISCOVERED IN CHINA SHIPPING CONTAINERS
Clark Gable shipped the Jaguar to France in 1952 on a Bristol Freighter aircraft. (Alami)
The name refers to the intended top speed, but it was capable of 200 km/h with the hood closed and a then-record 210 km/h with the hood down and the windshield removed.
Gable ordered it with competition-style spoked wheels and louvers in the hood, as well as a rack for his golf clubs, according to RM Sotheby’s.
The XK 120 was fully restored in 2011. (RM Sotheby’s)
It is known in the collector car world as “MDU 420” after its original registration number.
After filming concluded, he used it to tour Europe until late 1953, then shipped it to California and sold it.
Gable owned the XK 120 until late 1953. (RM Sotheby’s)
The next owner kept it until 1982, followed by a trip to Switzerland via South Africa where it changed hands twice.
Then the father of the current owner took possession of it in St. Gallen.
The Swiss owner is offering the car for sale for the first time since 1982. (RM Sotheby’s)
It’s been there ever since, undergoing a full restoration in 2011 that reportedly cost $500,000, complete with a new red Connolly leather interior.
The car is now up for auction at the RM Sotheby’s Villa Erbe event on May 20, with a pre-auction estimate coming in at around that price.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FOX NEWS AUTOS NEWSLETTER
That’s more than twice as much as classic car insurer Hagerty values a typical 1952 XK 120 in show car condition, but this isn’t a typical XK 120.
The XK 120 was capable of a top speed of 210 km/h. (RM Sotheby’s)
“Despite being one of the most famous XK 120s in existence, ‘MDU 420’ can easily be used on a long journey across the European continent, just like Clark Gable did, or be admired on any competition lawn for its excellent condition and incredible beauty.” says RM Sotheby’s listing.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Few cars can claim to combine such charm, originality, condition and provenance of the screen legend, and ‘MDU 420’ will forever be one of them.”
Gary Gastelu is Fox News Digital’s automotive editor.
