1953 Jaguar XK 120 - XK 120 Drop Head Coupé

The 18th left-hand-drive Drophead Coupé built

Remarkably authentic condition

Extensively documented history

Matching numbers

When Jaguar unveiled the XK 120 at the Earls Court Motor Show in 1948, it was a sensation. The name promised 120 mph – almost 200 km/h – and indeed, it was the fastest production car in the world at the time. Powered by a 3.4-litre straight-six with twin overhead camshafts, it was as powerful as it was technically advanced.

Initially, the XK 120 was available only as the lightweight Open Two-Seater, soon joined by the closed Fixed Head Coupé. Finally, in 1953, a third version arrived: the Drophead Coupé. It combined the elegant lines of the Coupé with a proper folding hood, heavily padded and, together with wind-up side windows and a more luxurious interior, bringing an entirely new level of comfort. While the Open Two-Seater was comparatively spartan and aimed at the more sporting driver, the Drophead Coupé appealed to customers who wanted elegance, speed and everyday usability all in one.

Mechanically, Jaguar stuck to the best it had to offer: the XK engine, producing between 162 and 213 hp depending on specification, a sturdy chassis and drum brakes on all four wheels. The Drophead Coupé was heavier than the Roadster, but in return was a more versatile Grand Tourer – fast on the motorway and comfortable over long distances.

Visually, it was distinguished by beautifully balanced proportions: a long bonnet, flowing wings and a particularly graceful roofline. With the hood raised, it looked almost like an elegant coupé; folded away, it acquired the lightness of a classic open car. Only 1,767 XK 120 Drophead Coupés were built in 1953 and 1954, making it the rarest body style of the series.

According to its Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, this XK 120 Drophead Coupé was the 18th left-hand-drive example built, completed on 6 March 1953 and delivered to Los Angeles, USA. It still wears its original Lavender Grey colour today and retains both its original engine and gearbox. Invoices and records date back to the 1970s and document its history almost without interruption. The Jaguar remained registered in California until 1980, after which it had just one keeper in Miami until 2004. Until its sale to Belgium, it remained continuously registered under the number HIZ416.

Its Belgian owner kept the car registered from 2006 until 2025. He bought the Drophead Coupé showing 46,594 miles and sold it with 67,250 miles on the clock. Until then, he had been the first owner to use the Jaguar extensively.

Its exceptionally authentic condition and superbly documented history convinced the consignor to buy the cat and fulfil a long-held dream. Being rather tall, he had an authentic but smaller 16-inch steering wheel fitted and the driver’s seat padding reduced. With these modifications, drivers up to around 1.90 metres should fit reasonably well. A FIVA Identity Card was issued, the already pleasingly fit mechanicals were serviced once more, and the Jaguar subsequently completed long-distance events without any problems. The Jaguar purrs just as one would hope – unfortunately, the consignor is simply too tall.

This XK stands apart from the majority of cars in a most refreshing way. It has been cared for over decades and, as a result, has never needed restoration. Naturally, the interior leather has been renewed over the years, as has the hood, but after more than 70 years one can hardly hold that against it.

The mileage shown may well correspond to the car’s actual total mileage. Various invoices recording mileages, together with its remarkable overall condition, certainly point in that direction. A fascinatingly preserved motor car that is even more impressive to drive than it is to admire standing still.