Fantasy Junction

Description

1954 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupe

Chassis No. – 678359
Engine No. – F3028-8
Exterior Color – Cream
Interior Color – Red Leather
Engine – 3.4 Liter in-line six cylinder
Transmission – 5-speed manual
Current Miles – 89,067 miles (TMU)
Current Owner – Purchased in 2012

Highlights of this Jaguar

- One of 1,472 LHD Drophead Coupes built
- California car since new with Matching numbers engine and head
- Upgraded with 5-speed transmission and aluminum radiator

General History


Just three years after the end of World War II, Jaguar revealed the XK120. With wartime austerity still impacting much of the UK, the XK120 caused quite a stir. With its stunning styling, sophisticated mechanical specification, and unapologetic performance, the XK120 was nothing short of a revelation. The elegant and sporty XK120 demonstrated to the world that Britain had both the technical capacity and design excellence to deliver a beautiful performance car.


The sporting twin-cam inline 6-cylinder engine, breathtaking styling and genuine 120 mph performance of the XK120, coupled with an affordable price, captured the imagination of the world. The XK120 set new standards of comfort, handling, and performance for British sports cars. There was nothing that could touch the XK120 at the remarkably affordable price. By 1953, the all-new XK120 Drophead Coupé or DHC arrived. Offering a more weather proof convertible top, the DHC had a molded windscreen integrated into the cowl, taller and larger doors, exterior door handles, winding windows and pivoting vent windows. The lined canvas roof offered greater sound insulation and a convenient package shelf behind the seats for small storage. Of note, to satisfy the more luxury oriented clientele, a burled walnut dashboard and door trim added a touch of elegance to the sporting interior. Of note, just 1,472 left hand drive variants of the DHC were produced.

History of this Jaguar XK 120

This Jaguar was built on May 24, 1954, finished in cream and trimmed with red leather interior and a black convertible top. The car was exported to Steven Hornburg of Hornburg Jaguar, Los Angeles, CA where it was sold to the first owner, a California resident. The car remained in southern California subsequently moving to northern California where it was eventually purchased through Fantasy Junction by the current owner in 2012. At that time the odometer indicated just over 84,000 miles when it was given a general fluid service at Vintage Auto Service, Oakland, CA returning again in 2013 where it received a new generator, jet hot treatment for the exhaust manifolds, an auxiliary fan installed, a Mallory DP distributor, new cooling hoses along with a new aluminum radiator and water pump, brake drums turned, new front brake wheel cylinders, a new drive shaft fabricated and installed, and a tandem master cylinder fitted to the brake system. Later that same year, the owner returned to Vintage Auto Service and had a 5-speed transmission and clutch assembly installed.

Work continued on the car through 2016 and 2017 with more recent services performed in 2025 with 88,953 miles which included new rear leaf springs and rebuilding the differential with new bearings and seals, new pinion and center section carrier, new speedy sleeve, and new axle bearings. In preparation for consignment, the car was serviced at Vintage Auto Service including a new inner tube, repairing a broken hard line for the brake system, and correcting the shock link orientation. Among the many enjoyable outings under current ownership, this Jaguar completed the California Mille without mechanical issues – a testament to the quality of the mechanical preparation and care it has received under current and prior ownership.

Current Condition and Features

Today this XK120 DHC presents with a handsome combination of impressive older cosmetics and refined mechanicals, making it a wonderful car for those who enjoy driving their vintage classic cars. The body is straight with excellent panel fit and operation especially considering the more robust doors found on the DHC. The paint, while older, is glossy and smooth with modest signs of age, impressively evoking a vintage British porcelain finish. The front and rear bumper chrome is very nice as are the taillight housings and polished headlight trim surrounding tri-bar headlights. Emblems and side view minors are in excellent condition, and the black canvas convertible top is also in excellent condition A set of Michelin 185/R16 tires are mounted on silver finished wire wheels held in place with chrome plated dual ear knockoffs.


The interior was reupholstered some years ago but still remains in excellent condition with handsome and consistent finishes throughout. The red leather seats are supple and gently relaxed, properly pleated, correctly trimmed with matching red piping, and paired with black lap belts featuring Jaguar branded clasps. The matching red carpet has been protected by a set of black and red cocoa mats, while red trimmed door panels, and the red center console complete the beautiful interior. Of note, the gear selector reflects the original style but now includes 5 speeds – a vast improvement particularly so for longer tours and club events. The dashboard and gauges are in excellent condition including the warmly lacquered burled walnut finishe which carry over to the upper portions of the door panels. With the top in the up position, the inner liner reduces outside noise, particularly with the side glass raised. A black canvas top boot with red piping covers the top when it is stowed behind the seats. The trunk is very much in keeping with the interior featuring a red vinyl floor covering, a tidy spare tire storage area, wire wheel spare, jack and knock off hammer.

Under the hood, the matching numbers engine and correctly finished engine compartment present in excellent condition with properly finished components and important upgrades including an aluminum radiator, Mallory DP distributor, modern coil, jet hot coated headers, and a 5-speed transmission. The polished aluminum castings, properly detailed components, and correct factory hardware further completes the engine compartment befitting the overall condition. The undercarriage, while not detailed for concours shows, displays sound and correct components, no visual signs of structural compromise to the frame or suspension mounting points, and stainless-steel dual exit exhaust.

The car starts easily, settles into a smooth idle, and has excellent carburetion. Throttle response is crisp when driven more sportingly, particularly so with the 5-speed transmission which offers higher speed highway driving without straining the engine. With the added benefits of improved cooling via the aluminum radiator and lower rpms on the highway, this drophead coupe is ideal for vintage tours, events, and weekend driving trips.

Offering the desirable combination of classic Jaguar design and improved driving manners, this XK120 Drophead Coupe delivers on all the promises of Jaguar ownership inviting both the driver and their fortunate passenger to focus on the pleasures of vintage sports car driving.

Included with this Jaguar

This Jaguar is accompanied by the original 4-speed gearbox, a set of tools, jack and knockoff mallet, the original California black and yellow license plate, Jaguar owner’s manual and service manual, spare interior material, a display placard, and a tricolor indoor car cover.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608