 1953 XK120 |
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1954 Jaguar XK-120 news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  | Drophead Coupe |
 | Drophead Coupe |
This blue, 1954 XK120 open two seater (OTS) has been maintained in original condition with only 21,000 miles on the odometer. It carries its original bill of sale, owners manual, tool kit, spare tire and jack, even specially fitted Jaguar luggage. The interior is done in a rare two-tone leather.
 |  | Drophead Coupe Chassis Num: F31708S |
| Sold for $84,700 at 2009 RM Auctions. | ||
This particular car is an XK 120 SE model, fitted with C-Type cylinder heads. It has had an extensive ground-up, nut-and-bolt professional restoration and the engine has been upgraded beyond original specifications, now producing an estimated 300 horsepower. It is a matching numbers example, finished in Signal Red with a beige leather interior, rides on wire wheels, has wide whitewall tires, and there are dual exhausts.
In 2009, this XK 120SE Roadster was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions in Scottsdale, Arizona. The lot was estimated to sell for $80,000-$100,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for the sum of $84,700, including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009
 |  |  | Sport Roadster |
 |  |  | Drophead Coupe |
The Drop-Head Coupe was produced from the spring of 1953 thru the fall of 1954, with a total of 1600 units produced, of those, 1200 headed to the US.
This car is equipped with an experimental cold air induction system, delivering cold air to the carburetor for added HP.
 | HardTop Coupe Chassis Num: S669195 Engine Num: F3215-8S | |
| Sold for $151,132 (€100,500) at 2008 Bonhams. | ||
 |  |  | HardTop Coupe Chassis Num: 681463 Engine Num: F2875-8 |
A Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate, confirms the car's originality, right down to its body number. Its original tool roll, jack and spare tire may be seen in the trunk, and the only change effected from original during the entire meticulous restoration was the conversion of battery equipment from two 6-volts in series to a single, modern 12-volt unit.
It is finished in an authentic shade of pale-green metallic, the leather seats having been restored in a complementary hue. The walnut veneer dashboard and door capping have been refinished to factory-new appearance, and the green carpeting matches the seats. All chrome plating has been redone to a very high standard, door fit is superb, and the car's engine and engine compartment are presentable to concours-level excellent.
In the eyes of some Jaguar collectors and enthusiasts, the XK120 Fixed Head Coupe is the most elegant of all the 120-, 140- and 150-series cars, as zfthe permanent roof lends a perfectly executed accent to the 120's already stunning design.Source - Gooding & Company |  |  | Drophead Coupe Chassis Num: S 674498 Engine Num: F 1410-8S |
| Sold for $90,720 at 2007 RM Auctions. Sold for $258,500 at 2012 RM Auctions. | |||
The 'SE' in XK 120SE represented 'Special Equipment' which included wire wheels, dual exhaust and a C-Type cylinder head. The Jaguar C-Type had been Jaguars racing vehicle which had accounted for seven overall victories, including LeMans. With these improvements, the XK 120SE saw an increase in horsepower by 20, to 180.
This 1954 Jaguar XK 120SE was purchased new by Charles E. Gifford of Burbank, California in January of 1954. Its next owner was Jon Canepa Jr. of Saratoga, California, who had a restoration performed on the vehicle, which lasted from 1969 through 1971. It was then shown at the 1972 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it was awarded an impressive Second in Class.
In 1975, Walter hill purchased the car for his collection. It was shown at the AACA South Florida Regional meet in 1974 where it was awarded Best in Show. The car was then stored in a climate-controlled environment before being sold in 2005 to its next owner. The vehicles owner then had the car properly checked and serviced, which included a rebuild of the instruments, engine, brakes, and cooling system. The new engine has less than 20 miles when it rolled across RM's auction block. The car proved to be popular, as the selling price escalated quickly. The lot was sold for $90,720.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2007
 |  | Drophead Coupe |
 |  | Drophead Coupe Chassis Num: S674682 |
| Sold for $75,000 at 2007 Bonhams. | ||
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008
 | Drophead Coupe Chassis Num: F26948SS675341 | |
| Sold for $121,000 at 2007 RM Auctions. | ||
This vehicle is an 'SE' model, meaning Special Equipment, which came equipped with chrome wire wheels, an upgraded suspension, dual exhaust pipes, and a high performance engine and carburetor. It has been treated to a nut & blot restoration to period correct specifications. It is finished in factory correct Jaguar Red and the interior is black leather.
Other options outfitted by the factory are ignition keys, tool roll, spare jack, spare tire, and manuals.
This car has been properly stored, maintained, and cared for during its life. This was evident by the bidding and the desire for such an attractive automobile.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007
The Jaguar XK120 was designed to be a prestigious vehicle and produced in low numbers. The designation '120' represented the vehicles top speed of 120 miles-per-hour. At the time, it was the fastest production car in the world.
The British automotive industry was greatly influenced by World War II. Many manufacturers went out of business due to the lack of funds, fuel and supply shortages, or their factories had been destroyed during the war. In order to stay in business, a solid production line was required that could compete with its class of vehicles. William Lyons, owner of Jaguar, did so by creating a new class - one that was faster, more reliable, stylish, and cheaper than any other vehicle on the market.
To gain industry recognition, Lyons knew that he needed a show car that was revolutionary and bold. Lyons handled the styling while his chief engineer, William Heynes, was tasked with designing the mechanical components. When the vehicle was displayed at Earls Court, the reaction was overwhelming. Originally, Lyons planned to make between 100 and 200 examples. After the public reaction to the car and to keep up with demand, he decided to change the body from hand-formed aluminum to all-steel construction.
The body of the car was reminiscent to the 'French Curves' produced by manufacturers such as Bugatti and Delahaye of the early 1930's and 1940's. They were created in three different body styles, roadster, fixed head, and drop head (convertible).
The vehicle was powered by a 160 horsepower, 3.4 liter, inline-six cylinder engine. Peak horsepower was achieved at 5000 RPM. The 120-mph was the promised speed, the top speed of the vehicle was around 126-132 mph depending on the trim of the vehicle.
The vehicle was designed as a touring car. However, many of the vehicles were raced. Their main weaknesses were their drum brakes which wore quickly, and their steering which was heavy and less responsive when compared to other purpose-built racing vehicles.
In 1951, Jaguar entered the grueling 24-hour of Le Mans endurance race. Three XK120C, the 'C' representing 'competition', were entered. One of the three entrants won the event.
In 1952, an XK120 was driven continuously for seven days and nights around a track located in Montlhery, France. After more than 16,000 miles in one week, the vehicle once again proved its endurance capabilities.
In 1954 production ceased. Over 12,000 examples were produced.
By Daniel Vaughan | May 2008
For more information and related vehicles, click hereThe British automotive industry was greatly influenced by World War II. Many manufacturers went out of business due to the lack of funds, fuel and supply shortages, or their factories had been destroyed during the war. In order to stay in business, a solid production line was required that could compete with its class of vehicles. William Lyons, owner of Jaguar, did so by creating a new class - one that was faster, more reliable, stylish, and cheaper than any other vehicle on the market.
To gain industry recognition, Lyons knew that he needed a show car that was revolutionary and bold. Lyons handled the styling while his chief engineer, William Heynes, was tasked with designing the mechanical components. When the vehicle was displayed at Earls Court, the reaction was overwhelming. Originally, Lyons planned to make between 100 and 200 examples. After the public reaction to the car and to keep up with demand, he decided to change the body from hand-formed aluminum to all-steel construction.
The body of the car was reminiscent to the 'French Curves' produced by manufacturers such as Bugatti and Delahaye of the early 1930's and 1940's. They were created in three different body styles, roadster, fixed head, and drop head (convertible).
The vehicle was powered by a 160 horsepower, 3.4 liter, inline-six cylinder engine. Peak horsepower was achieved at 5000 RPM. The 120-mph was the promised speed, the top speed of the vehicle was around 126-132 mph depending on the trim of the vehicle.
The vehicle was designed as a touring car. However, many of the vehicles were raced. Their main weaknesses were their drum brakes which wore quickly, and their steering which was heavy and less responsive when compared to other purpose-built racing vehicles.
In 1951, Jaguar entered the grueling 24-hour of Le Mans endurance race. Three XK120C, the 'C' representing 'competition', were entered. One of the three entrants won the event.
In 1952, an XK120 was driven continuously for seven days and nights around a track located in Montlhery, France. After more than 16,000 miles in one week, the vehicle once again proved its endurance capabilities.
In 1954 production ceased. Over 12,000 examples were produced.
By Daniel Vaughan | May 2008
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 1954
Jaguar
models |
| Jaguar Type D |
| Jaguar XK140 |
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| 1.5 Litre C-Type D-Type E-Series | Mark Mark IV Mark IX Mark V | Mark VII Mark X S-Type SS 100 | SS II X-Type XF XJ | XJ-S XJ220 XJR Group 44, IMSA, and Group C XK | XK Series XKSS |
| 1953 XK120 |
