Solved - NEH 1561: 1953 US Jaguar XK120 Special

[Carnut]

My 1517 was a re-post so I've decided to replace it with this.
Who knows anything about what this is and what it's based on?

Google Image Search continues to raise its ugly head on AutoPuzzles.
For the sake of our newer members who may not be aware of past discussions on it, Google Image Search as a means of solving puzzles is banned on this website.

AutoPuzzles is primarily a game of automotive knowledge, not of who can copy and paste the quickest.

We ask all members to remember and respect this, and retain the right to ask puzzle-solvers how they came to their answer.

Have fun!

[Carnut]

Experts?

[gilescooperuk]

I would take a guess by the side exhaust there is a Jaguar XK engine under there.

Based on a SS100 replica?

[Carnut]

I would take a guess by the side exhaust there is a Jaguar XK engine under there.

Based on a SS100 replica?

You're right, it's got an XK engine.
I don't know a huge amount about this car, just the model and year of car it's based.  It's not meant to be a replica of any kind, just a special.  I'll lock it for you for 24 hours to see if you can find out what it's based on and where it emanates from and that will be enough to solve it, as I don't know who the builder was.  I guess I was hoping someone would know more than I do!

[Carnut]

24 hours is long past so this puzzle is open to any eligible puzzler now..

[gilescooperuk]

Sorry was very busy all weekend so I didn't get a chance to look. The exhaust has been borrowed from a c/d-type which is how I knew the engine. But have no idea as to the rest of it.

[Carnut]

Pro's?
This is an easy point because there's not much else left to say...

[woodinsight]

I would guess it must be based on a Jaguar XK series by the look of the size, etc., plus the Jaguar engine.

[Carnut]

I would guess it must be based on a Jaguar XK series by the look of the size, etc., plus the Jaguar engine.

I confirmed that in my Reply #3, which is why there isn't much left to say..
What actual car is this special based on and where does the conversion emanate from - that's all I need for a point!

[woodinsight]

Let me guess to start with that it was based on an XK120 that was probably carried out in the USA judging by the amount of chrome details!

[Wendax]

Or is it an XK140 from Down Under?

[Carnut]

Let me guess to start with that it was based on an XK120 that was probably carried out in the USA judging by the amount of chrome details!

That is indeed correct!
It dates from 1953 and is based on an XK120.
It is on show at an event in California I believe, so I assume that's where it was built..
1 more point for you!