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LOT 208

1953 Jaguar XK120 SE Drophead Coupé Chassis no. S677246 Engine no. W8603-8S

Sold for US$84,000 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 208

1953 Jaguar XK120 SE Drophead Coupé

1953 Jaguar XK120 SE Drophead Coupé
Chassis no. S677246
Engine no. W8603-8S


3,442cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
180bhp at 5,200rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Delivered new to New York
*In the present ownership since 2010
*Among the most beautiful Jaguar models ever produced
*Fitted from new with the Special Equipment package


THE JAGUAR XK120

Conceived and constructed in but a few months, the XK120 debuted at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show where the stunning-looking roadster caused a sensation. The XK120 set new standards of comfort, roadholding and performance for British sports cars, and in keeping with the Jaguar tradition, there was nothing to touch it at the price. Coupé and drophead coupé versions followed, and for customers who found the standard car too slow, there was the Special Equipment (SE) package which boosted power of the XK twin-cam 'six' from 160 to 180bhp. With either engine and regardless of the type of bodywork, the XK120 was a genuine 120mph car capable of sustained high-speed cruising.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The 'S' prefix on this XK120's chassis number indicates that it is an 'SE' (Special Equipment) model equipped with the desirable 180bhp engine. According to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate on file, this 120 Drophead was built on May 20, 1953 and finished in Battleship Grey over Red leather with a Black top. Dispatched only six days later, it was bound for the East Coast, distributed through Max Hoffman in New York.

No early history of this Jag is recorded, but it appears to have remained in the Northeast for the better part of its existence. Restored sometime ago, it was retrimmed in the classic color scheme of British Racing Green over Tan leather with a matching Tan top. Acquired by the current owner in December 2010, the Jag has been barely driven in the last baker's dozen years with only about 15 miles added to the odometer since purchase. Given the relative lack of active use, mechanical recommissioning is suggested before any touring.

Jaguar XK120SE Drophead Coupes very rarely come to market, and this represents a unique opportunity to acquire one of the rarest of all the XK120 variants, equipped with the ultimate, Special Equipment engine.

Footnotes

This Jaguar is titled as a model year 1954.

Additional information

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