1954 Jaguar XK120 DHC

Finished in Brewster Green with a biscuit leather interior, ‘GRG 690’ is a 1954 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupé that’s been carefully restored and improved over the past 14 years to better meet the needs of 21st century roads and traffic.

Ivor Searle, the well-known engine specialist, rebuilt the XK120’s heart at great cost in 2018, a job that included full dynamic balancing, modifying the rear crank seal to the modern type, locking the tappet guides, and fitting hardened valves and seats for unleaded petrol amongst much more.

The engine itself has the correct numbers for the year and benefits from the later B-type cylinder head for even better torque at low revs. The gearbox, Salisbury rear axle, and body numbers are all correct for the year too, and the clutch is a diaphragm type.

Of course, the braking system was gone through too, with new brake pipes, drums, and linings being fitted as a matter of course. The seller assures us that the brakes now lock under heaving braking, something that isn’t always the case with the XK120.

The chassis, which is new, has been modified for telescopic dampers – but if you value originality over handling and ride you’ll be pleased to know that the original chassis is available should you want it. The seller explains: "The car was involved in an impact at some point, and the chassis was damaged. One side was a half inch shorter compared to the other. A specialist chassis firm declined the job of straightening it, so I had a go myself but was not satisfied with it. A new chassis came up at James Tester racing, so I had it. I have the original at home.”

The front suspension has been Polybushed too, and it sits on a set of new MWS wire wheels that are fitted with Blockley tyres.

The radiator was re-cored by Anglian Radiators, the exhaust is made of stainless-steel, and it has the correct rear window in the new hood.

This car been in the seller’s care since 2007 and showing just one former keeper on the V5.

Brewster Green suits the XK120’s rakish lines so well that few will guess that it actually comes from Bentley’s palette of colours.

Mind you, a large part of the reason it works so well is the condition of the panels, which are pretty much flawless in both alignment and condition; consistent shutlines are a given with a restoration of this quality and the panel alignment is further showcased by an unbroken line from the flowing front wings through to the XK120’s muscular haunches.

It’s a heck of a profile, that’s for sure.

There are no dents, dinks, or other significant damage either – and of course, rust simply isn’t an issue.

Much of the external brightwork was either replaced or rechromed including the two-piece front bumper, which was supplied by Coventry Auto Components and installed with a new fitting kit. Classic Bumper Services caried out the re-chroming, which looks as good now as it did when the firm finished it five years ago.

The MWS wire wheels still look like new with no tarnishing, pitting, or rust – however, should you prefer the look of the originals, then the five black wire wheels that used to be fitted are also included in the auction.

Tyres are matching 185VR16 tubeless radials from Blockley; made in 2018, they have oodles of tread left because they’ve barely been used. Plus, we will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly.

The folding roof is in a very good condition with no rips, tears, or holes. It fits well too, and the only issue we’re aware of is “a mistake was made with the hood fitting so that the rear window panel cannot be unzipped.”

It sits neatly beneath a cover when it is folded, and fits like a drum when it is raised – and it probably won’t surprise you to learn that it transitions between the two states smoothly and easily.

The huge headlamps and the diminutive Lucas rear lamps are flawless, as is the glazing, including the rear window, which is the correct one for the model.

You may notice the bonnet badge, which is a repro made to look patinated.

As for flaws, there is a chip to the trailing edge of the driver’s door, with a few more chips being present to the boot lid and aperture, and around the fuel filler cap. There is also an inch-long crack in the bonnet near the radiator, something that is a common fault, as well as marks on the offside front wing just in front of the mirror and on the wheelarch.

Other than these minor flaws, a good machine-polish would enable it to fulfill its considerable potential.

The owner’s ethos of carefully modifying his Jaguar to better meet the demands of the modern world continues inside where contemporary bucket seats sit on new runners – and while we’re on the subject of modifications, a lightweight 3.5kw heater has also been fitted.

We think both of these changes are sensible upgrades that in no way detract from the XK120’s old world charm.

Because it is still incredibly charismatic thanks to a set of white-on-black Smiths instruments that are set into a unblemished burr walnut dashboard, a huge, almost vertical steering wheel that has just the right amount of aging to it, and some of the neatest and most stylish carpets we’ve seen in a long time.

The door cards are trimmed in the same biscuit leather as the seats too, and the handbrake and gearlever gaiters have been crafted to match.

As for the new seats, they’re not only supremely comfortable and very supportive but their period-appropriate design suits the cockpit perfectly; whoever chose them chose well.

The headlining is clean, taut, and undamaged, and other nice features include a glovebox and a slide-out drawer that are both so exquisitely trimmed they could be the components of a jewellery box.

Pretty much everything still looks new and minty-fresh, and we are told that everything works bar the clock.

(Those with an eye for originality will also note the original temperature gauge is supplemented by a digital one; the factory instrument stopped working a while ago and while the replacement wasn’t intended to last this long, as we all know, there’s nothing more permanent than a temporary fix.)

The boot is as delightfully finished as the rest of the interior, and it plays host to a full-size and matching spare wheel along with the tools required to fit it.

The mechanical work that has been carried out is detailed in the introduction, and the invoices are online: The TL:DR is that the engine was rebuilt by one of the most respected names in the business, the suspension has been subtly upgraded by the installation of a new and modified chassis, and the braking and cooling systems both work as they should after being extensively refurbished.

This is not a car upon which corners have been cut.

And it shows in every area, including the cosmetics because the engine bay is so neat, clean, and understated that we’re not sure we’d have noticed that the air filter isn’t the original if the seller hadn’t mentioned it. (It’s also tucked away in front of the re-cored radiator, so is more inconspicuous than you might think, adds a lovely induction rasp and, almost certainly, a tiny bit more power.)

This is all bad news if you enjoy reviving tired engine bays but good news for everyone else: Just swipe a feather duster over it, rock up at your local classic car show, pop the bonnet, and tell ‘em where you’d like the rosette putting.

On a more practical note, the major service items are accessible, so home maintenance would be a delight.

On an even more practical note, it starts well, idles as smoothly as only a straight-six can, and revs like a 3.4-litre sewing machine.

It also drives as well as you’d expect given the care, attention to detail, and money that’s been lavished on it, with the more compliant suspension being immediately noticeable. It also makes all the right noises at all the right times, something that adds immeasurably to the experience, especially with the roof down.

The underside is as clean and neatly laid out as the engine bay, featuring plenty of new parts including copper brake lines, braided hoses, shiny fasteners, straight panels, well-painted wheelarches, new Polybushes, and a stainless-steel exhaust.

It is, therefore, fighting fit and ready to do battle with both country lanes and concours judges.

The Jaguar doesn’t have a current MoT certificate. The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, but it shows the car as being grey, as does the V5 Registration Certificate, so you might like to tell the DVLA about the change of colour.

It also comes with two sets of keys, and the history file contains invoices for the work and improvements that have been carried out since 2017.

With a guide price of between £45,000 and £55,000, this Jaguar XK120 not only looks stunning it is also significantly better to drive than most we see thanks to the winning combination of a newly rebuilt engine, upgraded chassis and suspension, and comprehensively refreshed mechanical components.

Ideal for long road trips across Europe as well as gentle runs to the beach or pub, it’s also presentable enough to pick up a few awards along the way – as well as stimulating conversation wherever it goes.

Utterly charming, we envy the summer the winning bidder is about to enjoy.

NOTE: The original chassis is included in the auction however, the winning bidder will have to collect it from the seller's house near Cambridge, UK, at their cost.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.