Lot 362: 1954 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupe

It was at the 1948 London Motor Show that Jaguar virtually threw the sports car world into turmoil with its stunning XK120. Here was a car with incredible style and looks, a powerful six cylinder engine installed in an outstanding chassis and a remarkably low price - a quarter that of a V12 Ferrari with similar performance. The combination was unbeatable and without doubt the XK120 was an absolute milestone for both Jaguar and the motor industry as a whole. XK120 orders flooded in, ironic as it was designed as an interim model to publicise the XK engine for the new Mk VII saloon - Jaguar had only planned to produce around 200! At the heart of the William Lyons styled roadster was that all-new 3,442cc twin overhead camshaft XK engine, producing 160bhp via twin SU carburettors - sufficient for 126mph and 0-60mph in 10.0 seconds. The XK120 became a massive success - both on the road and the track where it scored numerous victories, the many drivers including Stirling Moss, Peter Walker, Peter Whitehead, Leslie Johnson and Ian Appleyard; indeed, in XK120C/C-Type form it won Le Mans in both 1951 and '53, while its engine was to power three more Sarthe winners and a whole host of Jaguars up until only a few years ago. Originally delivered to Great Britain but latterly taken to the south of France by the vendor, this XK120 enjoyed a cosseted existence right through to 2002 when it underwent a full bare metal re-spray to its original colour of red (the accompanying images are of a similar vehicle.) Further restoration work took place in 2006 with a comprehensive reworking of the braking system, as well as all wood being refurbished and varnished. More recently, the biscuit interior trim and black convertible top have also been replaced; all work was carried out by JD Joseph, a specialist in this field. Described by the vendor as being in good to excellent condition in every respect, this British drop-head sports car represents a good opportunity to acquire a car with all the costly work completed.