1953 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupe

When Jaguar resumed car production in 1945, it dropped its pre-war sports car line to concentrate on saloon manufacture. But at the 1948 Motor Show the firm astonished the public by announcing a new two-seater roadster; the XK120, with the name reflecting its top speed. It heralded the arrival of Jaguar's famous 3.4-litre twin overhead camshaft XK engine, intended for the Mk. VII saloon, then two years away. Its chassis was essentially a shortened version of the simultaneously announced Mk. V saloon, with torsion bar independent suspension and its comfort and road holding set new standards for British sports cars.In May 1949, on the Jabbeke to Aeltre auto route, a model with its hood and sidescreen in place recorded a speed of 126mph and no less than 132mph with the hood and windscreen detached and an under-tray fitted. The car was in almost instant demand and it caught Jaguar by surprise. The first 240 examples retained coach-built aluminium bodies before pressed steel took over. The open two-seater model was joined by a Fixedhead Coupe version in 1951 and a Drophead coupe followed in 1953. The Drophead Coupe was the final variant of the XK120. It boasted more civilised equipment such as fully folding top, properly trimmed roof lining, wind-up windows and more luxurious fittings. However, only 1,767 were built before it was replaced by the XK140 and of these only 295 were righthand drive, like the car offered here. Retaining its original registration number, OGW 626 has been restored from the ground up by England's finest specialists and is finished in its original colour combination of British Racing Green with tan interior. Supplied new to a Mr H.G.B Hoare of Dunmow, Essex on 19th October 1953, this home-market 120 Drophead Coupe is presented in concours condition. A full body off restoration has recently been completed and just over 500 shakedown miles have been covered since. The restoration was overseen by leading Jaguar expert Guy Broad. His philosophy is to be faithful to the purity and beauty of the original cars, whilst subtly improving the overall driving experience for the owner. To this end, numerous improvements have been lavished upon this 120 Drophead Coupe. The matching numbers engine was fully rebuilt to original specification, with the addition of lead-free valve seals, Tuftridge coated exhaust valves, uprated valve springs, 2inch HD8 SU carburettors and composite head gasket. All machine work and balancing has been carried out and all assembly work by Guy Broad. The transmission is a brand new 'Broadsport' 5-speed unit with longer 0.73:1 5th gear ratio, the original gearbox is available. The flywheel, propshaft and diaphram clutch unit have all been balanced. The brakes have been upgraded with 'Broadsport' 4 pot callipers enabling modern braking ability. For those buyers of a larger nature, this car has been fitted with the Guy Broad peddle extension, which allows taller drivers to find the optimum driving position. The body was sent to Leaping Cats for preparation and lead loading, whilst the chassis was shot blasted, etch primed and powder coated. The paint and finish was carried out by Brookfield Classics of Hinckley and finished off with painted wire wheels. The quality of this restoration can only be described as superb and to complete an XK120 to this level of detail would cost well in excess of £100,000 today in parts and labour alone. For additional peace of mind, this car is offered with a 12 month or 3,000 mile major component mechanical warranty to its new owner.This car is described by the vendor as: "simply the best of its kind available anywhere in the world today."