Vehicle Description
Each of the three variants of Jaguar's XK120 sports car had a
unique purpose and character. The Open Two Seater, commonly known
as the roadster, was the stripped-down, lithe, and aggressive
sports car aimed at the club racer. Alternately, the fixed-head
coupe had a more grown-up appeal thanks to the roomier cabin,
extensive burl-wood trim, and glass roll-up windows, making it the
choice for Continental touring in comfort, regardless of the
season. The final version to arrive was the Drophead Coupe,
introduced in 1953. The XK120 DHC had all the open-air joy of the
roadster, but with luxurious trimmings like roll-up side windows
and a larger, insulated soft top. The drophead offered performance
virtually indistinguishable from its sportier sibling yet with a
more mature character. Today, the drophead is the connoisseur's
choice, being the rarest of the steel XK120 variants and also the
most versatile configuration for touring and classic rally
enthusiasts. This lovely XK120 Drophead Coupe is a US market model
manufactured in May of 1953 and is one of approximately 1,700 built
in the brief, single-year production run. Compared to more than
7,600 roadsters and 2,700 coupes, the DHC is by far the rarest of
the three. This fine example is the subject of a complete
restoration and is beautifully presented in cream over tan leather
trim and fitted with a tan Stayfast top. While in the collection of
the most recent owner, it was extensively fettled and updated for
reliable touring without sacrificing the period-correct aesthetic.
The classic cream-colored paintwork is well finished and
beautifully detailed all around. Delicate chrome bumpers are
restored to a high standard with excellent plating, and the car
rides on beautiful chrome knock-off wire wheels fitted with radial
tires for predictable handling in dry or wet conditions. Inside,
tan Connolly leather is taut and beautifully fitted using
factory-correct patterns and materials, showing minimal indications
of use. The floors feature matching Wilton carpets, which are in
similarly excellent condition. Door cards and dash trim are true to
factory standards, and the wood dash is exquisitely restored,
housing refurbished factory instruments and correct switchgear. The
tan canvas top operates smoothly, appearing tight and well-fitted.
It is properly insulated and lined with a broadcloth headlining,
which vastly improves sound insulation compared to the roadster -
while the glass side windows make this a proper three-season car.
Mechanically, this XK120 has been thoughtfully updated with several
practical improvements. The 3.4-liter engine wears the original
numbers-matching block and cylinder head per the Heritage
Certificate, and it is beautifully detailed with correct porcelain
exhaust manifolds, SU carburetors, and the signature polished alloy
cam covers. Cooling is vastly improved with an aluminum radiator
and electric cooling fan, while a high-torque starter improves
provides ample grunt from hot or cold. There's also an uprated
ignition coil, spin-on oil filter conversion, and high-flow
stainless-steel exhaust. Period-correct accessories include a tool
roll, tire pump, restored jack, and factory grease gun. The
Drophead Coupe is arguably the best all-rounder of the XK120 range,
with the added appeal of rarity and collectability. This fine
example is beautifully restored and presented in excellent
condition, with valuable updates that ensure it will be a pleasure
to drive in your favorite rallies, events, or just for relaxed
B-road touring. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6971-1953-jaguar-xk120-drophead-coupe/
