XK120 LM 1950 - Le Mans weekend build

[klutz_100]

This was my second attempt at completing a Le Mans 24 hour build over the race weekend.

I was taken by surprise this year and only realized that race weekend was upon me on the evening before the race started! My choice of car had to fill several criteria:

• Be a Le Mans car
• Be a British car
• Have some connection with my current project – a Lotus 25 (my personal theme for this year to have every car British and have some connection with the previous build)
• Be a reasonably simple build – preferably curbside.

I settled on the Revell Jaguar XK120. The Revell kit is not actually a Le Mans version but it does come with what they call a “racing options version” (basically restricted to removable covers for the rear wheel wells and a wind deflector.screen). The kit is a full engine but I decided to leave the engine out to save time.



The kit itself is not bad but is characterized by terrible molding lines along the side of the car and a hood that needed major styrene work to get even close to fitting.


I chose to modify it to be a loose replica of one of the three cars entered in the 1950 race.




My car of choice was the white nr 17 car as I had hodgepodge of decals in my spares box which could be cut and sliced for this purpose and some other parts which could be modified for use.





This is what I managed to come up with.




The closest similarity to the real car is that both of us were DNFs LOL

I didn’t manage to finish the build over the weekend but I certainly didn’t spend more than 24 hours in total on the build.

The body was painted with Zero Racing White and originally cleared with Zero pre-thinned clear but that gave an awful orange peel which I had to sand back and then re-coat with Mr Top Coat straight from the can.

Again I had a real blast trying to beat the chequered flag. Maybe next year I will finish in time…….
















Thanks for looking in and thanks again to Bob and friends for inspiring this idea in my head

[BVC500]

Nice work. The white looks great, as does your red interior with its detailing!

[jano11]

The result looks great to me!
The wheel covers are the only thing that doesn't click with the race car image.

[godfather23]

Interesting project you chose. Looks good what you made of it regarding the limited time you had.

Lucky you having something finished. I´m way off the time table of my projects...

But I agree with Jano that the wheel covers don´t go with the racing look. Or did you put them on because you didn´t paint the hubs ???


Robert

[ChillyB]

That is very cool, indeed. It is not a car that would come to my mind right away. I love everything about it, and now I really want that kit! I agree about the wheel covers. I also think you should dirty it up with some weathering for a post-race look. Great job.

[jla]

Very awesome, it's really refreshing to see unique subject matter like this!

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

Very cool! I have two of these kits (one is metal), so I can build one as the race car.

And for a quick-build for the race, having fun is more important than ultimate authenticity. You can use a 24 hour build to find out what's what about a kit so if you want to build a highly-detailed one you know what to look out for.

[guiwee]

Hey i think it looks good! Great build in time alloted

[mrawl]

Excellent. Love the color and vintage feel of it.

[klutz_100]

Thanks guys

Originally Posted by godfather23

I agree with Jano that the wheel covers don´t go with the racing look. Or did you put them on because you didn´t paint the hubs ???

I agree with you about the hub caps. The problem is that the kit wheels without the caps are positively disgusting. They are designed that way. As I didn't have any suitable wheels to replace them with, the only thing I could think of was to spray the kit chrome with satin clear to tone them down and make them less intrusive

Originally Posted by ZoomZoomMX-5

You can use a 24 hour build to find out what's what about a kit so if you want to build a highly-detailed one you know what to look out for.

I agree completely. I really fell for this car and would maybe like to do one again one day as you suggest but with more TLC and attention to detail. Maybe all three 1950 XKs.....?

[sportracer02]

Hi Steve,

you made a nice model of the old Revell kit. Interior look absolutely real. The fit of the engine cover and the interior tub show the kit´s quality.

Interesting to read, that Zero pre-thinned clear over Zero Racing White caused an awful orange peel.

[Tibi Keke]

It's superb! Congratulations!

[robrex]

I love it!

[TRBJ]

very simple yet truly outstanding work!! hey may i know what material youre using to make the leather hood strap?? that looks veery nice n convincing... thx!!

[Voljeepx]

You did this in about 24 hours? Excellent job, my friend! Interior is awesome!