1954 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupe

The stylish Jaguar XK120 was launched at the 1948 London Motor Show to showcase Jaguars' new 'XK' engine. It caused a sensation, which persuaded Jaguar founder and design boss, William Lyons, to put it into production, after the cessation 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 drop-head coupé from 1953; and finally as a closed, or "fixed-head' coupé from 1951. The drop-head coupé was a more deluxe open model, with wind-up windows,wood-veneer dashboard and interior door caps, as on the fixed-head.

The engine, latterly known as the 'Type-C' was modified into 3.8 litres and 4.2 litres 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. All models had removable spats covering the rear wheel arches. These enhanced the streamlined look and gave a nod to the stylised pre-war American car designs.

This 1954 model, Chassis No 667289, Engine No F3505-8, was originally registered PGH 600 and sold in Black and came to the present keeper, 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 around only 400 miles since the rebuild was completed in 1993. The car has a current MoT and a host of past MoT certificates suggesting the mileage to be correct. The powerful engine starts very much 'on the button' and runs as sweet and true as it would have done some fifty nine years ago!

This XK120 is offered complete with the highly sought-after registration plate "XKV 120' - surely the perfect plate of choice to any self-respecting XK120 owner! This rare ensemble gives both car and plate added value- a combination that will turn heads wherever she goes. A most desirable make and model enhanced by an enviable and irreplaceable registration plate that would have a value running into the thousands itself...

This late XK120 Drophead Coupé WITH registration "XKV 120', current MoT and sold in fine running order is an appreciating asset- offered with a modest estimate - she deserves full and serious consideration to buy.