1953 Jaguar XK120 DHC (Drop Head Coupé)

• Entirely in a perfect condition
• Complete matching numbers
• LHD with manual gear box
• First class restoration in The Netherlands, complete file available
• Wonderful original colour combination Baltic Grey with a Tan interior

About the Jaguar XK120 series

The Jaguar XK120 made its historical debut at the 1948 British International Motor Show, where it was presented as a sporty roadster. Because of its progressive styling and the smooth lines, it immediately made a strong impression.

Although the world was still reeling from World War II and the car was actually intended as a small-scale, exotic showcase for the revolutionary XK engine, demand became so overwhelming that Jaguar decided to put the XK into serial production. Therewith, in one fell swoop, the XK120 became the world’s fastest production car with an at that time unrivalled top speed of 120 mph (193 km/h). The competition had to admit defeat. This was so impressive that it was even referred to in the car’s type designation. The XK120 broke record after record. A legend was born! The original plan was to build only 200 cars, but because of the influx of orders, it was decided to produce the car in larger series. The aluminium sheets for body parts that laboriously had to be beaten using wooden moulds had to make way for pressed steel plates that could be produced in large numbers. The production of steel models began in 1950 and was mainly for export to the United States where the XK120 became the car for celebrities.

Developments and different versions

In 1951, one year after the production of the steel Open Two-Seater (OTS) had started the XK120 Fixed Head Coupé (FHC) was launched. In addition to its fixed steel roof, it also had doors with doorhandles and wind-up windows. Two years later, in 1953, the last version was launched, the XK120 Drop Head Coupé (DHC) was introduced. This model was a variation on the OTS, but more luxurious. It had a more spacious passenger compartment and featured various applications of the FHC, such as the door handles and the wind-up windows. The fully lined and better insulated convertible top was much easier to open and close then the one of the OTS. The Drop Head Coupé’s interior with leather, polished walnut wood and many high-gloss chrome parts is magnificent.

About this car

On March 31, 1953, this Baltic Grey XK120 DHC left the factory and made the journey across the ocean to America. How long the car had been in America is unknown. In September 2000, this rare XK120 Drop Head Coupé was found in England after a Dutch client had asked to search for one. The order was short and to the point; find a left-hand drive XK120 DHC with matching numbers that can then be restored to perfection. Due to the fact that the XK120 had been in production for only 18 months, this was not an easy job. Immediately after its arrival in The Netherlands the car went to the renowned restorer Bart Holland in Boskoop for a several years-long thorough restorations. Neither costs nor efforts were spared to bring this car to its present condition. It was stripped and starting from bare chassis reassembled screw-by-screw. Needless to say, all rusted and/or worn parts were replaced by new or reconditioned ones. No part was left untouched, the entire bodywork, chrome parts, brakes, instruments, the entire woodwork, upholstery, the electrical circuit, the lighting, tyres, windows and of course also the engine, the gearbox and the drive train, in short, the whole car was overhauled. All work is documented and is substantiated by photos and receipts. The current price for this unique XK120 DHC is only a fraction of the costs incurred. After the restoration the first Dutch owner used the car only sparingly and had it meticulously serviced. We are extremely proud to be able to offer this unique XK120 DHC, a car in such a condition is very rare.

The beautiful paintwork in the original factory colour Baltic Grey is immaculate, the chrome work is in superb condition. The beautiful leather upholstery of the front seats and doors harmonizes perfectly with the beautiful shiny burr walnut of the dashboard and the interior trim. The car is a paragon of traditional high-quality British automobile manufacturing. Of all production cars of this period the XK120 is certainly the best performing and the most enjoyable to drive. All XK models have a simple and robust design and provide their owners with an unrivalled 1950’s driving experience at a reasonable price.

We would like to invite you to get to know this wonderful Jaguar XK120 DHC. Please make an appointment in advance with Harm Derks. He can be reached at +31 30 8507500. Or send an e-mail to harm.derks@broekhuis.nl.

*Brooks Classics is a company affiliated with Broekhuis Groep, specialised in the small-scale trade of mainly British and Italian high quality Classic cars. For more information please visit the website www.brooksclassics.nl or contact us. Telephone number +31 30 8507500 / harm.derks@broekhuis.nl *