Description

The Jaguar XK120 is a sports car manufactured by Jaguar between 1948 and 1954. It was Jaguar's first sports car since SS 100 production ended in 1939. The XK120 was launched in open two-seater or (US) roadster form at the 1948 London Motor Show as a testbed and show car for the new Jaguar XK engine designed by Jaguar Chief Engineer William Heynes. The sports car caused a sensation, which persuaded Jaguar founder and Chairman William Lyons to put it into production.

The fastest production car in the world in its time, it would go on to be developed into the XK140 and XK150 models. The XK120 was ultimately available in three body styles, all two-seaters and available either as Left (LHD) or Right Hand Drive (RHD): an open 2-seater described in the US market as a roadster (OTS); a fixed head coupé (FHC) from 1951; and a drophead coupé (DHC) from 1953.

Production figures for our example were as follows:

Drophead****Coupé            RHD - 295           LHD - 1472          Total 1767

A Heritage Trust Certificate confirms that this Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupe 3.4 Litre was produced at the Brown Lane factory, Coventry in England on 15 June 1953.  Chassis number: 677418 was then dispatched to the official Jaguar Distributor Hornburg, Los Angeles USA.

This iconic vehicle, boasting matching numbers with engine number W 8835-8, which has been completely overhauled, was imported to the Netherlands in 2006 and underwent an extensive, meticulous restoration. A wealth of restoration images and invoices verify the high standard of work completed. In May 2008, it was sold to its first German owner. A comprehensive insurance valuation conducted in July 2024 confirms the car’s Condition 2 status, which may even be underrepresented. A personal inspection will highlight the vehicle's exceptional condition. With market values stabilising for these legendary cars, this is a fantastic opportunity for enthusiasts who recognise and appreciate their timeless beauty.

Vehicle details

Vehicle data

Make
Jaguar
Model series
XK
Model name
XK 120 DHC
Manufacturer code
120
First registration date
Not provided
Year of manufacture
1953
Mileage (read)
4,358 mls
Chassis number
677418
Engine number
W 8835-8
Gearbox number
JL 17208
Matching numbers
Yes
Number of owners
Not provided

Technical details

Body style
Convertible
Power (kW/hp)
119/162
Cubic capacity (cm³)
3442
Cylinders
6
Doors
2
Steering
Left (LHD)
Gearbox
Manual
Gears
4
Transmission
Rear
Front brakes
Not provided
Rear brakes
Not provided
Fuel type
Petrol

Individual configuration

Exterior color
Black
Interior color
Red
Interior material
Leather

Condition, registration & documentation

Condition category
Restored
Has Report
Report provider
GTÜ
Rating
2
Condition
MOT
MOT until
07/2026
Historical license plate
Registered
Ready to drive

Self assessments

Engine (Seller assessment)
Paintwork (Seller assessment)
Interior (Seller assessment)
Technique (Seller assessment)

More vehicles from Cathedral Classics

Similar vehicles