Submitted by bsheridan@rest… on Tue, 06/30/2009 - 11:13

I have a vehicle registration question for one of the XK120 experts reading this.

I purchased an XK120 OTC registered in California as a "1954 XK120".

I recently requested an official Jaguar Archive Certificate which sayy my car (VIN/Chassis Number 673985) was built in May 19, 1953 and dispatched May 28, 1953 to distributor Max Hoffman, New York and eventuall made its way to California.

Is my car a "1953" or "1954" model?

Submitted by bob5837@roadru… on Wed, 07/01/2009 - 11:57

Hi John,
Yep! Mine has the "curved back" seat. I guess it's an issue of "correctness" with me so I am going to do what I can to get the Title changed over to show "1953".

Thanks guys.

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Wed, 07/01/2009 - 07:14

Robert--if Mike Cook provided that he took it off the factory build ledger--that is the end of the story--the factory changes (technical) support a May build date so that would seem to be more than enough to correct the title. Best of luck but may I ask why changing the title is so important? Is it a birthday issue? BTW it is not uncommon to see titles reflect engine numbers or chassis numbers and do not be surprised if California wants to add a digit or letter to your vin.

Submitted by bob5837@roadru… on Tue, 06/30/2009 - 21:40

George - VIN/Chassis Number is 673985. I received a preliminary vehicle information record from Jaguar North American Archives (Michael Cook) that say my car was built and dispatched in May 1953 to NY. It found it's way to California and was registered as a 1954 XK120. My understanding from a car collector friend of mine in California, is that with proper documentation, I can appeal the Dept of Motor Vehicles to issue a corrected Title (pink slip) that will show it to be a 1953 model. Hopefully I will be able to do that. Does anyone know where I can find data that will show what year my XK120 OTS VIN was built? If I have the Heritage Certificate and supporting documentation I will have more ammunition when I visit the DMV.

Submitted by woebegone@mind… on Tue, 06/30/2009 - 20:34

George is correct.
I have a 1949 Willys Wagon, and found out 33 years after I bought it that Willys didn't make ANY in 1949!
They were leftover 1948's.

That said, the NHRA would not even talk to me, as they were only concerned about what the title said.

So your quandary is, what do you do if challenged at a show?

BTW, I thought "OTC" was "Oh, That Chevy"

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Tue, 06/30/2009 - 20:20

Robert what is the VIN? If it was built in 1953 and is a 1953 MY then it is a 1953. The date sold is just that---in those days the dealers were allowed to roll over model years if there was no significant changes!

Submitted by woebegone@mind… on Tue, 06/30/2009 - 17:19

Here is my take on California registration:

It was registered when it was first sold.

If it sat in California for six months, it's registered as a 1954.

What is an OTC?