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1954 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupe

A superb matching numbers, home market example with fantastic history

  • A UK-supplied right hand drive example in its original Factory colours
  • Fully documented history folder with Jaguar Heritage Certificate
  • Well restored using the best Jaguar specialists and suppliers
  • Many subtle upgrades for reliability; well maintained over the years
  • Interesting history from new

This matching numbers XK120 Drop Head Coupe is a UK-supplied Right Hand Drive example in its original factory colours of British Racing Green over Suede Green interior. Supplied new by Henleys of London to Squadron Leader Desmond de Villiers, the Chief Test Pilot of the De Havilland Aircraft Company, ownership passed to N J Hart of the West Country and in 1972 to Cedric Thomas who was to keep the car for the next thirty six years.

Mr Thomas, as a retired professional automotive engineer, undertook a complete nut and bolt restoration, a process that would eventually take thirty years, not least as a result of his obsession for perfection.

Not surprisingly only the best specialists and suppliers were involved. Notably, Bill Lawrence was commissioned to restore the body, a process that used lead-loading throughout. In the few instances where replacement panels were required, these were sourced from RS Panels Ltd.

The engine was entrusted to VSE Engineering who fully rebuilt the unit to their standard ‘Road’ specification, whilst fitting a performance rear main seal conversion to prevent oil leaks from the standard scroll type rear main bearing housing.

The retrimming of the car’s interior was entrusted to Mick Turley (of Suffolk & Turley fame) and has been completed to the very high standard you would expect. All the cockpit woodwork veneers are superbly refinished as well as a new canvas hood with the correct inner lining.

Along with restoring the car true to its factory specification it has been fitted with subtle, desirable upgrades to make it a more driveable and enjoyable example. These upgrades include Koni front shock absorbers, Broadsport electronic ignition and high power starter motor, Broadsport dual fuel pump, large capacity aluminium radiator and expansion tank fitted with a Kenlowe electric fan and also a manual override to automatic choke.

Presented with an extensive history file, which includes documentation of its restoration and an owners hand book. Also present is a tool kit, spare wheel, jack & wheel wrench and fitted tonneau cover

A Jaguar XK is one of the finest sports and touring cars of the fifties’, and the Drop Head Coupe particularly so with the added comfort and protection from a ‘proper’ hood. During a recent hundred mile drive the car performed faultlessly, the engine being exceptionally smooth holding 55lbs oil pressure and a consistent temperature of 70 degrees. The suspension copes easily with all road conditions, and the brakes are unusually effective for a drum-braked Jaguar XK!

It’s rare to find such an well restored XK with a remarkable history and in such fine fettle. A testament to its past owners and a detailed restoration utilising the best Jaguar specialists and suppliers possible.

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