1949 XK 120
Alloy
Chassis #670033
Owned by L. Jack Ruscilli/John Gillespie
This 1949 Jaguar
XK 120 has recently completed a full
restoration. It has many ties to California
International Motors in Hollywood and raced
at the first Cal Club Road Race April 16,
1950 at Palm Springs.
Roger Barlow (of Blue Simca fame) was the
co-founder of Cal Club Road Race with John
Von Newman in 1948. Roger Barlow was also
the owner of International Motors and the
first owner of this rare XK 120. Roger raced
this XK 120 chassis #670033 at Palm Spring
1950.
After
researching Barlow's history with grassroots
racing in the early 50's, I was amazed with
all the racing personalities that came
through International Motors. Phil Hill
started as a young mechanic at International
Motors and after buying a new 120 while
taking factory training in England he
returned to race and win The Pebble Beach
Road Race in 1950. Other names that came
through Barlow's authorized Jaguar
dealership was John Von Newman, Richie
Ginther, Faye Taylour, Stan Nowak and Noel
Kirk. Barlow was the go-to-guy for all the
movie stars and celebrities in those days
including Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart and
James Cagney.
This car has recently been awarded the
following awards:
3/08
Amelia Island * Road & Track Award
6/7/08
JCNA Louisville Concours * C1 – First Place
6/8/08
Cinci Ault Park * First in Class &
the Grand Marshall Honorary Award of
Distinction
7/12/08
Len Immke Arthritis Foundation Concours and
Jaguar Association of Central Ohio 35th
Annual Concours d’ Elegance
-
First Place
8/2-8/3/08 Meadowbrook
Concours d’Elegance
“Best Driving Award”
See the attached
article from Road & Track which has further
significant information.
