1953 Jaguar XK 120 DHC
A 1953 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupe, one of only 1,767 produced in that body style, originally built in left-hand drive for the American market and delivered to Texas. The car was used in local road rallies by its first owner, a member of the West Texas Sports Car Club, achieving multiple podium finishes. Returned to the United Kingdom in 2000, it underwent a comprehensive body-off restoration and conversion to right-hand drive. It has been in single ownership since 2004 and is finished in British Racing Green with Suede Green leather.
Ownership
- 2019-02-23Auction saleSold £62,000 (≈ $78K)
- 1953 →Factory deliveryWest Texas Sports Car Club member, first US ownerpartial documentation
The original owner was a member of the West Texas Sports Car Club and entered the car in local road rallies, achieving documented results including a win and multiple top-three finishes.
- → 2000US serviceman based at Reese Air Force Basepartial documentation
The car was kept garaged during this period in the dry Texas climate, which prevented significant corrosion. The owner shipped the vehicle back to the UK in 2000.
- 2000 → 2004Acquisition unknownFirst UK ownerpartial documentation
This owner commissioned the full body-off restoration and right-hand drive conversion carried out by Chris Odling Engineering, documented with photographs.
- 2004 →Private saleCurrent vendorfull documentation
The vendor has maintained the car fastidiously, converting remaining items to full UK specification over many years of ownership, including headlamp and steering wheel changes and the addition of period accessories.
Competition
- —West Texas Sports Car Club road ralliesWest Texas Sports Car Club road rally1st (one occasion); top-three finish (multiple occasions)
The first owner entered the car in several local road rallies in Texas, securing a win and multiple top-three finishes, all of which are recorded in the history file.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2000RestorationChris Odling Engineering
Full body-off restoration commissioned by the first UK owner, including conversion from left-hand to right-hand drive. Original panels were retained due to the absence of significant corrosion. The car was repainted in British Racing Green and fitted with a bonnet strap and bonnet louvres during the process.
The restoration is comprehensively documented with photographs held in the history file.
- —Modification
Conversion to full UK specification by the current vendor over their period of ownership: sealed-beam headlamps replaced with Lucas F700 tri-bar units, an original steering wheel sourced and fitted, bonnet strap and wing mirrors removed, original Lucas spot lamps added, a stainless-steel sports exhaust fitted, and an electric choke along with other minor upgrades installed.
Original steel wheels and spats were retained. Work carried out progressively after 2004.
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