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2013 Shannons Sydney Spring Classic Auction
Lot
11

1953 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupe

$79,500

Sold

Specifications

Engine In-line 6-cylinder, 3781cc (see text)
Gearbox 4-speed manual (overdrive)
Body Work Drophead Coupe
Colour Birch Grey
Interior Red
Trim Leather
Wheels Wire Spoked
Brakes Drum

Description

This lot is no longer available

Introduced at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show, everything about the new Jaguar was sensational - from the stunning lines by Sir William Lyons to the powerful XK straight-six engine with its twin overhead camshafts. The XK120, as the new model was named, looked and performed like nothing else on the road. In a world still struggling to recover from the dark days of the war, it's no surprise the XK120 soon captured the public's imagination and a strong showing in competition certainly did the XK120s reputation little harm. In its most highly developed form, as the XK120C (or C-type) the Jaguar won the Le Mans 24-Hour race on no less than two occasions, while standard cars were successfully campaigned all over the world. The XK120 was powered by an all-new 3.4-litre twin-cam six-cylinder engine developing 160bhp, enough to propel the Jaguar to a top speed of almost 120mph. Initially sold as a roadster, the range was soon expanded to include a stylish fixed-head coupe and, in 1953, a drophead coupe. The DHC's folding top was a masterpiece of simplicity and beautifully trimmed, affording excellent protection from the elements. The DHC was also better equipped inside than it's roadster sibling, with wind-up windows and a walnut-veneered dash notable differences. As the last variant of the XK family to arrive, the drophead coupe was unsurprisingly built in the fewest numbers and just 1,760 were made (accounting for roughly ten per cent of total XK120 production) with the vast majority going to American customers. Today the XK120 is still highly prized for its looks, performance and is certainly one of the most collectible of all Jaguars.