1953 Jaguar XK120 Drop Head Coupe

This 1953 Jaguar XK120 is a left-hand drive drop-head coupe that was sold new in California on July 11, 1953 and remained with its first owner until 1987. The car then stayed with its second owner for 31 years, during which it underwent cosmetic refreshment in 1994 and a mechanical overhaul in 2014 before being acquired by the selling dealer in 2018 and brought to the Netherlands. Power is provided by a rebuilt numbers-matching 3.4-liter DOHC inline-six paired with a four-speed manual transmission, and the car is finished in Old English White over red leather. Work in July 2018 included a valve adjustment as well as replacement of the ball joints, suspension bushings, and brake master cylinder. This XK120 is offered in the Netherlands with its original bill of sale, partial service records, a Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, and Dutch registration. Originally finished in Lavender Grey, the body was repainted in Old English White in 1994 according to the selling dealer. The finish is said to show signs of age, and close-up photos are provided in the gallery below along with images of the brightwork and lenses. Equipment includes a tan convertible top that was installed in 1994 as well as body-colored rear wheel spats, fender mirrors, and a radio antenna. European-market headlights were added in July 2018, and the removed “tripod” headlights are included in the sale. Body-colored 15” steel wheels wear chrome hubcaps along with Pirelli radial tires that were mounted in 2014. Drum brakes are utilized all around, and a new brake master cylinder was installed in July 2018. The cabin was retrimmed in red leather in 1994 in lieu of the original tan upholstery, and also features a burl wood dash, door caps, and A-pillars as well as a four-spoke steering wheel, roll-up windows, a dash-mounted rearview mirror, and a red top cover. Smiths instrumentation includes a 140-mph speedometer that was rebuilt in 2017 as well as a reverse-sweep tachometer. The five-digit odometer shows 74k miles, just over 100 of which have been added by the selling dealer. Footage of the gauges operating can be seen in this video. The 3.4-liter XK inline-six was rebuilt in 2014 and drives the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox. The twin SU carburetors were also overhauled, and the cooling system was fitted with an aluminum radiator. New wiring was installed along with a replacement fuel pump, clutch, gearbox seals, battery, and more as listed in invoices in the gallery. According to the seller, approximately 3,500 miles have been driven since the rebuild. A valve adjustment and an oil change were performed in July 2018. A cold start video has been provided by the selling dealer. Engine number W8291-8 is shown stamped on the block above and the cylinder head in the gallery below, matching the number listed on the Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate. Also pictured in the gallery are the data tag and chassis number stamped on the frame. A stainless steel exhaust system was installed in 2014. Chassis work carried out in July 2018 included replacement of the ball joints, shock mounts, and rubber steering components. The bill of sale from Coventry Motors in Beverley Hills, California is shown above. The Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate lists original colors and equipment in the gallery, which also includes invoices and photos from the 2018, 2014, and earlier work. Driving videos are provided below, with additional footage viewable on the seller’s YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TUpMcvzN-U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXPB8eODh0Y