Description
This is lot number 153 in the Bonhams Goodwood Revival Auction on September 7th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Rare and desirable Special Equipment (SE) version
One of only 1, 472 left-hand drive XK120 SE drophead coupés built
Matching numbers
Professionally restored in the USA
Considerable recent expenditure
Its accompanying Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate reveals that this rare and desirable matching-numbers XK120 SE drophead coupé (one of only 1, 472 left-hand drive examples built) was delivered to Jaguar's West Coast distributor Charles Hornberg in Los Angeles in May 1954. The original colour was pastel green with suede green upholstery. The VIN number's 'S' prefix denotes the more powerful Special Equipment model (180bhp compared to 160 horsepower for the standard version).
Known custodians are second-owner Mr Oliver Farinholt of Norfolk, Virginia, USA, who acquired the XK in 1987, and Mr Peter Harnik of London, who owned the car from December 2018 until the current UK-based vendor acquired it in October 2022. During the period 2007 to 2013, while owned by Mr Farinholt, the car underwent a body-off restoration included the electrical harness, steering, hydraulics and exhaust.
Further works included overhauling the differential; retrimming the convertible hood mechanism; and a repaint by Bill Bassett. The car is now painted silver with red leather upholstery and trim. The following accessory items have been fitted: Battery isolator switch; Hand-held fire extinguisher; After-market spot/ fog lights; Tonneau cover.
Since the car's acquisition by our vendor in 2022, the brakes have been restored, new brass bushes installed, and the steering box rebuilt at a cost of £10, 000. A FIVA inspection was carried out recently and a FIVA ID card issued confirming all matching numbers, including the cylinder head.
