1954 Jaguar XK120 DHC
***Vendor supplied images***
Highlights
- Beautiful factory-correct Pastel Blue DHC
- One of the very last built and despatched
- Older restoration in very good order
- Retrimmed interior in factory-correct colours
- BMIHT chassis records certificate
- Matching numbers car
The Appeal
The XK120 must have been a shock for post-war buyers. It continued the high performance tradition of the firm’s pre-war SS100 but it looked thoroughly modern. And beautiful - those flowing lines may have been honed for high speeds on the Mulsanne Straight but they were utterly beguiling.
Of the many paint finished available to clothe these lines, Pastel Blue was one of the longest lived and most popular. This car retains that tasteful factory-correct finish following an older high end restoration. It is one of the last XK120s built - just 50 more would follow it out the factory - which is confirmed by a recent BMIHT certificate.
Only 763 LHD XK120 DHCs like this one were built. The XK120s is the purest iteration of Lyons’ and Heynes’ vision and this is a lovely example of these much-loved touring cars.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in late 1954
- Factory built on 1st July 1954 and despatched on 17th August 1954
- Factory supplied for export but destination not known at the time of writing
- BMIHT certificate confirms chassis number and engine and gearbox numbers match
- Retains its Pastel Blue paintwork and blue interior factory colour combination
- Of the 1,472 LHD DHC XK120s built only 763 were non-SE models like this one
- Final LHD DHC XK120 chassis number was 678472 and this is car 678422
- First registered in the Netherlands on 10th November 2011
The Condition
- Original factory-correct paintwork and interior confirmed by BMIHT certificate
- Finished in smart Pastel Blue with older restoration in good current order
- Bodywork presents in good order with clean lines and good door and panel fit
- Original French Grey factory hood now replaced with black mohair roof
- Steel wheels with matching body colour trim and chrome hub caps
- Chromework in good, apparently original condition with well kept bright finish
- Underside presents well with visible undersealing across surfaces
- Retrimmed interior in light blue leather with theme carried to piping for tonneau and carpets
- Black tonneau and carpets in good order
- Well kept interior with stylish DHC wood veneer dashboard in good condition
Where the OTS was aimed at more sporting XK120 buyers, the DHC was built for those seeking a more luxurious and upmarket feel. That sense is reflected in this beautiful car’s interior which is lavishly trimmed in walnut wood veneer, one of the lovely distinguishing features of the XK that heavily influenced subsequent Jaguar interiors.
The car is in very good order, likely reflecting an older restoration. This work carefully replicated the factory-correct specification, including the tasteful Pastel Blue paintwork and blue interior. The work has been done to a high standard and holds up very well.
The Mechanics
- 3.4litre Jaguar XK straight six engine developing 160bhp
- Twin SU carburettors
- 4spd ‘Moss’ gearbox with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears
- We understand this is a matching numbers car
- No reported running or other mechanical issues to advise
The XK120 may have won hearts in showrooms across the world, particularly in Hollywood, but it was built to deliver one result: Le Mans success. William Lyons’ belief in ‘win on Sunday, sell on Monday’ meant customers got access to the engine that was delivered for racing success - the venerable XK straight six. This motor proved so good and so enduring that it powered Jaguars into the 1980s.
Aficionados believe that the smaller capacity XK units, particularly the 3.4 displacement, deliver the sweetest-revving experience. This XK120 left the factory as one of 763 ‘standard’ 160bhp LHD DHC cars and is reported to be a matching numbers car in good mechanical health.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic may refer you to a third-party shipping company. For more details, email [email protected]. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1954
- Make Jaguar
- Model XK120
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 80,057 Miles
- Engine size 3400
Listing Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Zwartsluis
- Location International
- Country Netherlands
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