1953 Jaguar XK120 SE Drophead Coupe
Entered from the Cambrian Collection

Registration No: 679 XWF
Chassis No: S677517
MOT: Exempt

• The subject of a photographically documented, chassis up / body off restoration
• Understood to be matching numbers throughout
• Built to more desirable 'SE' (Special Equipment) specification and resident in America for much of its life
• Subject to over £86,000 worth of work since entering the Cambrian Collection

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 MKV chassis complete with independent front suspension, a ‘live’ rear axle and hydraulic drum brakes, the lithe two-seater possessed class-leading 120mph plus 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, 1,472 of the 1,767 XK120 Drophead Coupes which rolled off the Browns Lane assembly line were to left-hand drive specification. A desirable upgrade, the Special Equipment package encompassed a lightened flywheel, increased compression ratio and higher lift camshafts (yielding an extra 20bhp) plus a thicker anti-roll bar, increased diameter torsion bars and stiffer rear leaf springs.

According to its accompanying Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, chassis S677517 was completed on 24^th June 1953. Despatched to Jaguar distributor, Charles H. Hornburg Jr of Los Angeles, early the following month, the Drophead Coupe had migrated to Galesburg, Illinois some fifty years later. Subject to much mechanical restoration work during the 2000s and 2010s including a thorough engine overhaul (fresh pistons, timing chains, bearings, cylinder head overhaul etc) and the fitment of new wire wheels, the XK120 was still very much a project when it joined the Cambrian Collection via The Beverley Hills Car Club for $44,000 in 2020. A summary sheet on file shows that a further £86,449.10 has been spent on the Jaguar since then. Extensively restored and repainted in its original Pastel Blue shade, the bodywork was complemented by recoloured leather upholstery, replacement wood veneers and a fresh Black soft-top. A new steering box and wiring loom were installed and attention paid to the brakes, suspension, fuel system and cooling system as well. The brightwork was rejuvenated and copper trims (sourced from Martin Robey) added to the rear wheelarches. Pleasingly understood to retain its factory-fitted engine, gearbox, back axle and body tub, the Drophead Coupe was UK road registered as ‘679 XWF’ on April 1^st 2025. Still needing to be ‘run-in / debugged’, this gorgeous XK120 is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and history file. Still to left-hand drive specification, it would seem ideally suited to Continental adventures.

The Cambrian Collection

An engineer by profession, the owner of the Cambrian Collection counts Classic Car and Classic Boat restoration companies among his commercial interests. Keen to demonstrate the breadth of his team’s skills, many of the vehicles within the collection were used as mobile showcases and refurbished over a protracted period. Some have yet to be fully run-in / debugged but all are indicative of a love of motorised transport. No prizes for guessing that Blue and open-top motoring are decided preferences! A desire to reprofile and slim down the Cambrian Collection is the reason for sale.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737