Lot details Registration No: PGH 467 Chassis No: 667243 Mot Expiry: May 2010
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 MKVII chassis complete with independent front suspension, a `live' rear axle and hydraulic drum brakes, the lithe two-seater possessed class-leading 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 294 of the 1,765 XK120 Drophead Coupes which rolled off the Browns Lane assembly line were to right-hand drive specification.
Finished in Old English White with red leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" (electrical equipment, paintwork) or "very good" (bodywork, interior trim) condition. While, he notes that (a) the engine "uses a little oil but goes well", (b) the four-speed manual gearbox "seems reasonable as the car's total mileage is unknown" and (c) the chassis "shows signs of repair to the nearside". An original right-hand drive drophead coupe, `PGH 467' shares its current home with a XK140 and XK150 but three bad Cornish summers have apparently convinced the seller that he should exchange it for a fixed-head. Treated to two new 6-volt batteries and four fresh Blockley tyres earlier this year, the Jaguar is offered for sale with sundry paperwork and MOT certificate valid until May 2010.
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