1954 JAGUAR XK120 Drop Head Coupé

1. How much does a Jaguar cost?

This one has an interesting life and a pull towards the model—that’s the one you’d need.

Owning a classic car takes a few sacrifices, and, incidentally, a bit of clarity of mind.

Passion so often wins out over reason, and your hard-earned banknotes will gradually dwindle—certainly, and for the long term.

The rule is simple:

A Jaguar demands, at minimum, either serious money or mechanical know-how.

For a Ferrari, you need both.

Jaguar XK120

Let’s not go over here what everyone already knows.

The XK120 was the first production car to exceed 200 km/ h.

Inside this car sits the true first Jaguar engine: a straight-six DOHC, 3400cc.

Developed during the war by Sir William Lyons’ team—the “English Enzo”—it would go on to power the mythical Jaguars in 3. 4; 3. 8 and 4. 200 cc (and even a tax “downsizing” to 2. 400cc).

Anyway, the rest is on Wikipedia.

A. This chassis in particular is interesting

1. It’s originally from France and it has never left the mainland.

2. First wheel-turn in Marseille—never corroded, always in the sun, and apparently with no signs of any rivalry settling under the “Old English White” paint.

3. All owners are recorded, with the true mileage being transparent.

4. The last of its owners, who used it regularly, really looked after it—pampering the car from 1987 to 2022.

In 1988/ 1989: a full restoration of the vehicle at 29, 300 kilometres.

Brief accounts, based on invoices kept:

1988 – equivalent of €6, 321

1989 – equivalent of €14, 724

1990 – equivalent of €5, 168

1993 – equivalent of €4, 700

During that period the benefactor of this chassis covered 9, 700 km.

So, on workshop costs, the enthusiast spent the equivalent of €3. 28 per kilometre, plus fuel + insurance + vehicle depreciation/ amortisation.

He might have done better putting that money into a Concorde.

Having, through pain, learned to count, he will still have let more of his savings leak away between 1994 and 2022—€13, 791 to cover 5, 835 modest, last-and-painful kilometres.

That’s: €2. 36 per thousand metres covered.

2024 – A few recommissioning items and checks (€4, 000)

1. New clutch

2. Flywheel machining

3. Check crankshaft condition; change the bearings—no kidding, proper precautions

4. Gearbox inspection; replace the gaskets

5. All oil changes

6. Engine, brakes, and suspension/ alignment adjustments

7. Remove/ refit floor and inner wing; inspect and repaint

8. New exhaust pipes

9. New throttle plates (all 4)

10. New window gaskets/ seals

B. Additional info:

This 1954 model is a Drophead Coupé with a wooden interior, a hood over a frame/ hoop, and sliding windows.

The car has a heritage certificate, obviously—and since it’s originally from France, it’s 100% guaranteed matching numbers.

The modifications are:

- XK150 disc brakes (absolutely essential)

- Fuel tank and stainless-steel exhaust

The cylinder head was changed in 1988 during the complete engine rebuild.

C. First owner

A Marseille arms manufacturer who made his fortune during the First World War.

Between the two world wars he became an important industrial figure, and even a car manufacturer—nowadays largely forgotten (Leon Paulet)—though a few examples still exist.

Mr Paulet from the eponymous industrial company in Marseille will be the first owner of this Jaguar XK-120.

After a quick search on the internet, you’ll understand you can’t find a better first owner.