Description
This Jaguar XK120 drophead coupe is an original UK, right-hand drive example, making it one of only 295 such cars produced. Built in September 1953, this is an early XK120 drophead coupe with a very early chassis number. It was originally finished in British Racing Green with a Tan interior and a Black hood.
The first owner was E. Putnam of Parkstone, Dorset and retains original registration mark of NRU 373. It is not clear how long E. Putnam kept the car, but the history file shows that by 1958 it was owned by Werner Baum of Highgate, London. From there it was sold to Michael Fordway of Putney, London. In 1967, the car was sold to Fairfax Guy Wade-Parmer, who lived quite close to our garage in Romsey, Hampshire. Soon after this, in 1968, he sold the car to S. J. Watson in Southampton. At some point in this period, the car was repainted white.
It is believed that the car was then laid up in 1969 with either 42, 000 or 48, 000 miles on the clock. In 2010, it was purchased by Mr Gary Beaumont. Mr Beaumont restored the car to a very original specification, with the exception of modifying the battery box and fitting bucket seats to allow taller drivers to drive the car in comfort. A nice photographic record of the restoration is present in the history file along with extensive receipts from the restoration process. Once completed, the car was sold and upgraded with a view to taking part in international tours. The car has been fitted with disc brakes on the front and was converted to wire wheels at the same time. It has also been upgraded with a five-speed gearbox, an aluminium radiator, a header tank, an electric cooling fan, an alternator, electronic ignition, electric power steering, a windscreen wiper upgrade, and a sump guard. The car also benefits from a fast-road cylinder head and two-inch carburettors.
The car has taken part in a number of XK Club tours in recent years. Taking part in these events, it has travelled as far afield as New Zealand and India and proved itself to be a reliable and enjoyable car for touring. The extra cabin space created by the bucket seats, modification to the battery box, and a smaller steering wheel are a very welcome addition to an XK120. The well-conditioned upgrades, combined with the Brantz rally meter, make this an ideal car for touring and regularity events.
