1953 - Jaguar XK120 Drop Head Coupe SE - Lot 66

Lot n° 66
Go to lot
Estimation :
60000 - 90000 EUR
Result without fees
Result : 59 000EUR
1953 - Jaguar XK120 Drop Head Coupe SE - Lot 66
1953 - Jaguar XK120 Drop Head Coupe SE French circulation title Chassis n°S677191 Engine n°W8495-8S Bodywork n°P1193 - Convertible model as sporty as the roadster but more comfortable - Interesting Special Equipment version - Original engine and colors - High quality old restoration - Same owner for more than 22 years - History file dating back to 1987 The Jaguar XK120 roadster was presented at the London Motor Show in 1948, only two months after the creation of its chassis and body. At that time, at the end of the Second World War, there were few sports cars on the market and most of the existing ones had been designed before the conflict. It was therefore a general surprise when this sports car, which seemed to have been designed by the wind and which was powered by a new 160 horsepower double overhead camshaft engine, capable of reaching 120 miles (hence its name), was unveiled. Especially since its price is very competitive, even though its instrumentation is very complete and the interior is in Connolly leather. Like its price, its performance is also very competitive and allows the XK120 to compete in the most prestigious events. Initially available as a roadster, the XK120 is declined in Fixed Head Coupe (FHC) in 1951, then in Drop Head Coupe (DHC) in 1953, without forgetting the sportier version called "Special Equipment", which can be associated with any of these body styles as early as 1951. This version consisted of a modified cylinder head (called Type C), SU HD8 carburetors, a lighter flywheel, stiffened running gear as well as wire wheels and long-range lights, and developed 180 horsepower on the XK120. The XK120 was replaced by the XK140 in 1954, which in turn was replaced in 1957 by the XK150, before the end of the XK generation with the arrival of the E-type in 1961. The Jaguar XK model selected by our collector is a desirable XK120 in convertible body (Drop Head Coupe) and special equipment version, with a more recent cylinder head marked type C, as confirmed by the Jaguar Heritage certificate in the car's file. It left the factory on May 13, 1953 and was delivered to its first owner on June 4 of the same year by the brand's distributor Hornburg in Los Angeles. As an original American vehicle it is one of only 1472 left-hand drive XK120 convertibles produced between 1953 and 1954. After having started its life across the Atlantic, this superb convertible is in the Lyon region since 1987 according to the elements of the file. The current owner bought it from a good friend in 1999. As always, anxious to have a car in perfect condition that he can use without any ulterior motive, our collector has the car entirely restored, but always respecting the original configuration. The bodywork is entrusted to Ronalcar in Villeurbanne, who do a remarkable job, since twenty years later the result is still as satisfactory. This is all the more so as the car, which has 24012 km on the clock, has taken part in many tourist rallies. The quality of its restoration has also allowed it to participate in a few exhibitions, such as the 2002 Convertible Show in Paris or the Epoqu'Auto Show in Lyon. In "Birch Grey" color with red leather interior and black top, the presentation of this XK120 convertible, in conformity with the original, is extremely attractive and its black top cover allows to perfect its look. Combining the power of the SE version with the comfort and rarity of the convertible bodywork compared to the roadster or the comfort compared to the coupe, this XK120 with its strong arguments has everything to please. The vehicles of the collection have been at a total standstill for several years. They are sold as they are, without any technical control and will have to be completely overhauled before they can be driven again.
My orders
Sale information
Sales conditions
Return to catalogue