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1954 Jaguar XK120 SE Drophead Coupé

Lot No: 244 - A Sale of Important Sports, Competition and Collectors' Motor Cars and Fine Automobilia
Goodwood Revival, Chichester, Sussex, 1 Sep 2006 Bonhams
Lot No: 216
The last right-hand drive manufactured 1954 Jaguar XK120 SE Drophead Coupé
Registration no. NRW 356
Chassis no. S667294
Engine no. F3878-8S
Sold for £38,900 inclusive of Buyer's Premium

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 ‘S’ prefix on this XK120’s chassis number indicates that it is an ‘SE’ (Special Equipment) model equipped with the desirable 180bhp engine. Right-hand drive Drophead Coupé chassis numbers commenced at 667001 and a mere 294 were built, making this car the last to leave the Browns Lane factory in September 1954. A statement from Mr Liggins - the previous owner from May 1988 to August 1996 - reveals that he had looked for three years to find the right XK120. He bought this example, which retains its original engine - both ’head and block - already restored and believes that the work was carried out circa two years prior to his acquisition. It was evidently restored to a high standard, although no bills are offered with the car.

‘S667294’ came into the present owner’s hands in August 1996 when the recorded mileage stood at 4,000 (it is assumed that the odometer was ‘zeroed’ upon completion of the restoration). Forming part of the vendor’s large private collection, the car has been mostly displayed and kept in dry, climate controlled conditions. The current mileage total is 4,172. Although the car is on chromed wire wheels, the original pressed steel wheels and spats are also offered.

Finished in red with black hood, black interior trim and matching carpets, ‘NRW 356’ will be offered with fresh MoT and road fund licence, current Swansea V5C document and previous V5. Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupés very rarely come to market and this restored, matching numbers car represents a unique opportunity to acquire the last example of the rarest of all the XK120 variants, equipped with the ultimate, Special Equipment engine.