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. The "120' in its name referred to its 120mph top speed (even faster with the windscreen removed) which made the XK120 the world's fastest standard production car at the time of its launch.It was available in two open versions, first as the roadster, then also as a drophead coupé from 1953; and finally as a closed, or "fixedhead' coupé from 1951. The drophead coupé was a more deluxe open model, with wind-up windows, and wood-veneer dashboard and interior door caps, as on the fixedhead.

The engine, latterly known as the 'Type-C' was modified into 3.8L and 4.2L versions and it survived well into the late 1980s. 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, Engine No F3505-8, was originally registered PGH 600 and sold in Black and came to the present owner, a garage owner in his own right, in 1993 as a partially completed rebuild. Some ten years earlier an extensive "nut and bolt' bare-metal rebuild had begun, including a complete engine overhaul and new clutch. The car comes with a photographic album of the body rebuild.The car now sports Old English White paintwork, with red leather interior and a walnut dashboard. It has been lovingly cared for and has clocked only 350 miles since the rebuild was completed in 1993. The car comes with a full 12 months MoT and a host of past MoT certificates suggesting the mileage to be correct.

This XK120 is offered complete with the current registration "XKV 120' - surely the perfect plate of choice to any self-respecting XK120 owner!A most desirable make and model enhanced by an enviable registration plate - this car has already had the obligatory rebuild and is now in need of a modicum of light recommissioning having been largely unused for the past 29 years. It would seem that a very modest amount of attention would see this car back into front line condition throughout.

A late XK120 Drophead Coupé WITH registration "XKV 120', 12 months MoT , sold in good running order and offered with a modest estimate...What's not to like?!