HISTORY OF THE XK120 DROPHEAD COUPE:
The Jaguar XK120 was unveiled in 1948 at the London Motor Show,
originally designed as a testbed for a new engine by Jaguar
chairman and design czar Sir William Lyons. Its sleek styling and
potent XK engine quickly captured the attention of sporting-minded
enthusiasts worldwide. The "120" designation reflected its claimed
top speed of 120 mph - a claim that proved true, making it the
fastest production car in the world at the time. Public enthusiasm
for its flowing curves and balanced proportions was so strong that
production began in 1949. From 1949 to 1954, only 1,765 Drophead
Coupes were built, most left-hand drive for the American market,
making them among the most sought-after XK variants today.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED:
This 1954 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupe is finished in its stunning,
factory-correct color combination of Red over Biscuit leather with
a Fawn canvas cabriolet top. Chassis No. 678270 was completed at
Jaguar's Coventry works on April 6, 1954, and dispatched to Charles
Hornburg's Santa Monica, California distribution network.
Charles H. Hornburg Jr., Inc. was appointed by Sir William Lyons as
Jaguar's exclusive North American distributor west of the
Mississippi River in 1948 and was instrumental in the brand's early
success in the U.S. Embracing the "win on Sunday, sell on Monday"
philosophy, Hornburg sponsored a young Phil Hill at the inaugural
Pebble Beach Road Race in May 1950, securing Jaguar's first
American motorsport victory. This exposure helped put the marquee
in front of Hollywood royalty, including Cary Grant, Judy Garland,
Bob Hope, Katharine Hepburn, and Walter Pidgeon.
The early history of chassis 678270 remains unknown; however,
ownership is documented as far back as March 1981, when the State
of Missouri issued a new title to a respected collector in Reeds
Spring, Missouri. Over 30 years later, a dealer in nearby
Springfield, Missouri acquired the car from the same couple in 2012
and is believed to have commenced its multi-year, full
body-off-frame restoration.
When acquired by its current collector-level owner in 2017, the
bodywork, paint, interior, and restored driveline had already been
completed. Additional service invoices totaling over $8,000
accompany the car, dating from 2017 to 2019, documenting
replacement glass, trim, hardware, and the professional restoration
of its dual SU carburetors by a British carburetor specialist in
Michigan.
Upon arrival at IT'S ALIVE! in 2024, the car had not been started
for several years. Our in-house specialists sorted and
recommissioned the fuel, electrical, charging, braking, steering,
exhaust, and cold-start systems, while completing the fitment of
the XK120 grille and a new convertible top boot that had yet to be
installed. Before being brought to market, nearly $11,000 was
invested to return this restored Drophead Coupe to full roadworthy
condition.
Today, the car presents beautifully, with freshly detailed paint,
interior, and trim. Its rebuilt 3.4-litre XK engine retains
matching engine block and cylinder head serial numbers (F2635-8),
and the body tag (P2503) ties all major components to the car's
April 1954 assembly, as verified by the accompanying Jaguar-Daimler
Heritage Trust Certificate.
Offered now is a well-sorted example of one of Jaguar's most
celebrated postwar efforts. The XK120 DHC exemplified Sir William
Lyons' guiding principle of "Grace, Pace, and Space" - offering
elegant burl walnut interior paneling, touring practicality, and
the legendary 3.4-litre XK engine capable of 120 mph straight off
the showroom floor.
IT'S ALIVE! is pleased and privileged to offer this stunning XK120
DHC, beautifully finished in its factory-correct colors, to the
most discerning driver or collector who appreciates the pure
engineering and refinement that broadened Jaguar's global appeal.
To inquire about this exceptional example, call 314-710-6600 or
email
[email protected] today.
