Description
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm
Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am
Location: IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR
1953 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupe
Estimate £45, 000 - £55, 000
Registration No: 897 XUB
Chassis No: 677442
MOT: Exempt
Finished in a classic colour combination of Cream over Red leather
Sold new in 1953 via Max Hoffman's famous Park Avenue, New York showroom
Famously built as a mere showcase for Jaguar's all-new 3442cc DOHC XK straight-six engine, the XK120 Roadster caused a sensation when it was unveiled at the 1948 London Motor Show. Utilising a shortened MKV chassis complete with independent front suspension, a ‘live’ rear axle and hydraulic drum brakes, the lithe two-seater possessed class-leading 120mph plus performance and roadholding. Such dynamic excellence was rewarded with numerous victories including the 1950 RAC TT and 1951 Liege-Rome-Liege Rally. Arguably, the defining sportscar of its generation, a perilously shaky post-WW2 British economy gave the Coventry manufacturer little choice but to concentrate on overseas sales. Introduced in April 1953, the Drophead Coupe was not only the last but also the rarest XK120 derivative. Offering significantly better weather protection than its roadster sibling, the newcomer featured a fully lined hood with integral frame and wind-up windows. An elegant looking machine regardless of whether its soft-top was up or down, the two-seater boasted a rich wood veneer dashboard and matching door cappings. Only in production between April 1953 and August 1954, just 1, 767 XK120 Drophead Coupes rolled off the Browns Lane assembly line.
According to its accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, chassis 677442 was completed to left-hand drive specification on June 17th 1953. Supplied new via Max Hoffman’s famous Park Avenue, New York dealership, the XK120 subsequently migrated to Ohio where it was owned for many years by Dave Hart. The subject of extensive restoration works between 1987 and 1994, the Drophead Coupe finally left Mr Hart’s care in 1998 when it was bought by a Staffordshire-based enthusiast. Remaining with the latter for some two decades, ‘897 XUB’ was then acquired by its previous keeper who undertook a cosmetic and mechanical refresh. Repainted in Cream and re-trimmed in Red, the Jaguar also had its wood veneers refinished. The original ‘matching numbers’ engine (W8851-8) was removed, stripped and fettled before being reinstalled with the four-speed manual gearbox being overhauled. Changing hands for £73, 000 in 2021, the XK120 has since benefited from the installation of power steering and remains highly presentable. Looking ‘period perfect’ on steel wheels, this delightful Drophead Coupe is rated by the seller as being in ‘very good’ (engine, bodywork, paintwork, electrical equipment) or ‘excellent’ (four-speed manual gearbox, interior trim) condition. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and detailed history file dating back to 1987.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
