Any clue on how to value a project like this? The body is completely shot, I'm not in agreement with the owner of the car that is can be salvaged...However, the frame is in OK condition, just some surface rust, no cracks or welds though. The engine is a NON matching, correct 3.4 "SE" engine, NOT a C-type, like thought of by the owner prior to me inspecting. So, the chassis plate for the car is there, an extra block and head come with the car, two seats, brackets/frames, which need to be completely redone etc. The chassis tag sits this car with an "S" suffix, meaning it WOULD have a C type engine, so either the engine matches the car, and the chassis tag is incorrect, or chassis tag matches the car, and there's an incorrect engine. And some extra wire wheels, with free air from the early 1980's Any clue how to value this as a project? Is it even worth my time? Thanks Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
First off, there is a number on the cylinder head, back side of the timing chain gear bumps (forward end of the V) - write this down and you can research on JCNA website if it's a correct 120SE head (I think the valves/cams are a bit different). I can check my books, but I don't believe any 120 had a "C Type" engine or head. A C head (likely from a 140) would be red in color (in case any color is left...). All 120s had natural aluminum color heads. If you have chassis number plate (sounds like you do), "S" prefix is for SE model - but I think you know this already. Does gearbox number match chassis data plate? Data plate should include chassis number, body number, engine number, and gearbox number (iirc - I know it is on the E-Types, believe also w/ XKs). I would think this chassis, as it sits, is only worth a few K (<10), but I'm no expert on valuation. I'm just thinking about what it would take to build into a roadworthy car. Assume you have the skills to do this, and are not paying a shop? On the plus side, with non-matching numbers and basically building a "Franken-Jag", you can do things like upgrade to disc brakes, install a louvered bonnet and AL radiator (that engine needs all the cooling it can get), 5 speed, etc. FYI - so you know where I'm coming from, I'm a 120SE OTS owner myself and a certified JCNA concours judge (though very new to that, so still learning a lot). Hope this helps - let me know if I can help any more. George P.
For this last question, look at Hagerty's online valuation tool for one data point - they're valuing a condition 2 ("excellent") car at $135K. Can you build it for less than 100? gp
Thanks George. I read somewhere a VERY small number of 120's came with a C type engine, but no this car doesn't have the "C", but I didn't pull anything apart. I wonder if buying this, like you said, and moving forward with a different body could be done as well. Maybe Devin or Kellison? To take it back to an OE car, I'm not sure $100K could do it. Thank you for your input, it is greatly appreciated.
Ken, Thanks - I'll have to look into the 120/C-Type engine connection. If so, I would guess they would be *VERY* late 120's, as the C-Type head was a "common" option for the 140s (the 140MC). But again, just a guess at the moment. Yes, I'm sure other bodies are available. If you decide to undertake the project, do whatever *you* like - and I'll be interested to see what you choose! George P.
