Mark Osborne
Vice President
Lot 247
1953 JAGUAR XK120 DROPHEAD COUPE
Chassis no. S677295
Engine no. 1776-9
Without reserve
Chassis no. S677295
Engine no. 1776-9
Without reserve
Amended
15 August 2014, 11:00 PDT
Quail Lodge & Golf ClubSold for US$42,900 inc. premium
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1953 JAGUAR XK120 DROPHEAD COUPE
Chassis no. S677295
Engine no. 1776-9
Chassis no. S677295
Engine no. 1776-9
3,442cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
160bhp at 5,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Enticing 'barn find' condition
*Largely complete and factory correct
*A great project car to bring back to its former glory
*Eligible for tours and rallies
*Offered with Jaguar Trust Heritage Certificate
THE JAGUAR XK120
Told by the post-war Attlee government to "export or die", the British motor industry responded valiantly, none more so than Jaguar Cars, soon to become the UK's biggest US-dollar earner thanks in no small measure to the success of its XK120 sports car. Conceived and constructed in but a few months, the XK120 debuted at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show where the stunning looking roadster caused a sensation.
Its striking appearance notwithstanding, the XK120 was conventional enough beneath the skin, being built on a separate chassis, featuring independent front suspension by means of wishbones and torsion bars, a live rear axle, and drum brakes all round. The body was the work of Jaguar boss William Lyons himself and one of the most beautiful shapes ever to grace an automobile, the latter was conceived as a coachbuilt aluminum structure for the simple reason that Jaguar expected to sell no more than 200 XK120s in the first year!
The car's heart was, of course, the fabulous XK engine. Conceived in wartime and intended for Jaguar's post-war range-topping saloon, the 3.4-liter six embodied the best of modern design, boasting twin overhead camshafts running in an aluminum cylinder head, seven main bearings, and a maximum output of 160bhp.
The XK120 set new standards of comfort, roadholding and performance for British sports cars and, in keeping with Jaguar tradition, there was nothing to touch it at the price.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Completed at the Jaguar works in May 1953, this Special Equipment XK120 Drophead Coupe was delivered new through Hoffman Motor Car Company in New York, New York, to its first owner. The car was finished in the classic British Racing Green, and fitted with a tan interior and a black convertible top.
The XK120's early history remains unknown, but at some point it was stored in Georgia, where it remained until recently. It should be noted that, although the cylinder head number does match, the engine block number does not match the factory records, and therefore appears to have been replaced at some point. Now presenting as an older, charming barn-find, this car is an ideal candidate for a full restoration.
Without reserve
Saleroom notices
Please note that this vehicle is titled as a 1954.