1954 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupe

The XK120 was launched at the 1948 London Motor Show to showcase the new Jaguar XK engine. It caused a sensation, which persuaded Jaguar founder and design boss, William Lyons to put it into production, this came after production ceased in 1940 of the much loved Jaguar SS100. All XK120's had independent torsion bar front suspension with semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear, recirculating ball steering, a telescopically adjustable steering column, and all-round 12 inch drum brakes that were prone to fade. Some cars were fitted with Alfin brake drums to help disperse the heat and overcome the fade. All models had removable spats covering the rear wheel arches, which enhanced the streamlined look.

This 1954 model, Chassis No 667289, with evocative "XKV 120' registration number was previously sold by Silverstone Auctions in good running order, albeit, suffering from the ravages of time and sporting white coachwork from its first restoration in 1993. Now fully repainted, and indeed, again fully restored, the original Black paintwork has been replaced being as it is expertly applied to a high standard. Owned from 1993-2013 by a garage owner in Northamptonshire, it joined the Molino Collection in July of 2013 where upon it has been lifted back to its former glory. The car was fully stripped, the interior restored to a very good standard, the body painted as mentioned, and the engine fully serviced. Some £25,000 has been invested in this car in just 12 months to bring it to this standard, and importantly, to future-proof the lifetime of this car.

A very tractable and usable period sportscar, the XK120 remains one of the most sought and desired models from Jaguar.