Lot 177 - 1954 Jaguar XK120 SE Drophead Coupé
| Lot Number | 177 |
| Registration | OXV 453 |
| Chassis Number | S667233 |
| Engine Number | F2838-85 |
| Odometer reading | 76,843 miles |
| Estimate | £78,000 - £85,000 |
The Jaguar XK120 was manufactured between 1948 and 1954 and was Jaguar's first sports car since the SS100 which ceased production in 1940. The XK120 was launched in roadster form at the 1948 London Motor Show as a show car for the new Jaguar XK engine. It caused a sensation, thus persuading Jaguar founder and design boss William Lyons to put the car into production. The '120' in its name referred to its 120mph top speed 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 also as a closed, or 'fixed-head' coupé from 1951. With an alloy cylinder head and twin side-draft SU carburettors, the double overhead-cam 3.4 litre straight six XK engine was comparatively advanced for a mass-produced unit of the time. With a standard compression ratio of 8:1 it developed 160bhp. This same basic design of the XK engine, later modified into 3.8 litre and 4.2 litre versions, survived into the late 1980s. All XK120s had independent torsion bar front suspension, semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear, re-circulating ball steering, telescopically adjustable steering column and all-round 12-inch drum brakes.
This superb iconic British sports car is presented in cream with red leather interior and as far as we are aware is a matching numbers example, with the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate confirming its DNA including the fact that it still retains its original colour from factory (details in history file). Its black mohair hood is in good condition as is its lovely leather interior and also the colour coded cream wire wheels. In 2014 the present owner had a Short Engine rebuild which was carried out by WinSpeed Motorsport Ltd at a cost of £14,000 (itemised invoice in the history file). This very pretty Jaguar comes with some old log books, various old MoT test certificates and a Jaguar Operating, Maintenance and Service Handbook. A wonderful example in good condition!
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.