Description
1953 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupé – The First Left-Hand-Drive DHC Produced
Chassis 677001 | Matching-Numbers Engine | Extensive Documented History | Complete Comprehensive Restoration & Recent €20K specialist engine rebuild **
Retro Classic Europe is delighted to offer this exceptionally significant 1953 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupé, chassis number 677001 – the very first production left-hand-drive XK120 Drophead Coupé manufactured by Jaguar.
Completed at Jaguar's Browns Lane factory on 29 January 1953, this remarkable car occupies a unique place in the history of one of Britain's most celebrated post-war sports cars.
A Historically Significant XK120:
Introduced in 1948, the Jaguar XK120 quickly established itself as one of the world's most desirable sports cars, combining breathtaking performance with elegant styling and exceptional engineering.
The Drophead Coupé joined the range in 1953, offering a more luxurious and practical alternative to the original Open Two-Seater, with a fully lined folding hood, wind-up windows and beautifully appointed interior.
Chassis 677001 represents the very beginning of left-hand-drive Drophead Coupé production, making it a particularly important example of this already desirable model.
According to its historical documentation, the car was originally dispatched to the United States through Hornburg Jaguar on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
Its early history also includes the UK registration NWY 790, assigned prior to its dispatch to America in April 1953.
The car subsequently returned to the United Kingdom in 1978, before entering a period of long-term ownership during which it underwent an extensive restoration.
Extensive Body-Off Restoration:
Between approximately 1988 and 2000, the Jaguar benefited from a comprehensive body-off restoration, extensively documented through a remarkable collection of period photographs and invoices.
The body was removed from the chassis and stripped to bare metal, with the necessary corrosion repairs carried out carefully and sympathetically.
Throughout the restoration, considerable emphasis was placed on retaining and refurbishing original components wherever possible.
The interior and hood were retrimmed by respected British Jaguar specialist Mick Turley, retaining the original hood frame, while the extensive interior wood veneers were restored by a Rolls-Royce craftsman.
The result is an elegant and beautifully finished XK120 which, more than 25 years after the completion of its restoration, continues to present extremely well thanks to light use and correct dry storage.
The quality and extent of this restoration were also documented when the car was subsequently offered for sale by Bonhams in 2008.
Matching-Numbers Engine and Comprehensive Mechanical Rebuild:
Importantly, chassis 677001 retains its original matching-numbers 3. 4-litre XK straight-six engine.
During the current owner's long-term custodianship, the car has received substantial mechanical attention from Francis Trichet of Garage Trichet, a highly respected French specialist in classic Jaguars based in Poitiers.
In 2020, the engine underwent a comprehensive rebuild, supported by detailed original invoices documenting extensive machining and reconditioning work involving the cylinder head, engine block, connecting rods, crankshaft and flywheel to the tune of well over €20, 000.
The work included the replacement or refurbishment of numerous internal engine components, including bearings, valves, valve guides and seats, valve springs, timing chains, tensioners, gaskets and seals.
Considerable additional attention was given to the cooling system, clutch, brakes, ignition and associated mechanical components.
The work represents a substantial investment in the car's mechanical condition and provides valuable reassurance for its next custodian.
Having personally driven the Jaguar extensively during our preparation and photography sessions, we can confirm that it performs beautifully. The XK engine starts readily, runs smoothly and delivers the strong, effortless performance for which these remarkable cars are renowned.
Eighteen Years of Careful Ownership:
The Jaguar has remained with its current owner since 2008, covering approximately 4, 000 miles during that period.
Throughout this time it has been carefully maintained and enjoyed, with regular attention from Garage Trichet before and after the major engine rebuild.
The car is accompanied by an extensive history file, including restoration photographs, mechanical invoices, historical documentation and previous auction catalogue material.
Few surviving XK120s can offer such an interesting combination of historical significance, long-term ownership and supporting documentation.
Presentation and Condition:
Today, the Jaguar is finished in elegant Pastel Green with a contrasting Suede Green leather interior, beautifully restored wood trim and a black folding hood.
The combination suits the graceful lines of the Drophead Coupé particularly well and gives the car a wonderfully authentic period appearance.
The paintwork and interior remain very attractive, displaying the character of a carefully preserved older restoration rather than a recently completed cosmetic refurbishment.
The engine compartment is clean and well presented, while the car's overall condition reflects the care and attention it has received over many years.
An Exceptional Opportunity:
While all Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupés are desirable, chassis 677001 stands apart.
As the ** first production left-hand-drive example**, it represents a genuine milestone in Jaguar's history.
Its matching-numbers engine, extensive restoration documentation, substantial mechanical rebuild and long-term ownership combine to make this a particularly compelling opportunity for the discerning collector.
Equally importantly, this is not simply a historically significant Jaguar to be admired in a collection. It is a car that can be driven and enjoyed, offering the unmistakable sound, performance and elegance of the legendary XK120.
Highlights
- First production left-hand-drive Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupé
- Chassis number 677001, completed 29 January 1953
- Original matching-numbers 3. 4-litre XK straight-six engine
- Originally dispatched to the United States through Hornburg Jaguar, Hollywood
- Extensive body-off restoration completed circa 2000
- Interior and hood retrimmed by renowned Jaguar specialist Mick Turley
- Comprehensive engine rebuild by Francis Trichet in 2020
- Extensive restoration photographs, historical records and mechanical invoices
- Current ownership since 2008
- Approximately 4, 000 miles covered during the past 18 years
- French registration
- Available for worldwide export, with shipping assistance offered
Location: Saumur, France
Worldwide shipping can be arranged, including enclosed transport and assistance with export documentation.
For further information, additional photographs, videos or to arrange a viewing, please contact Richard at Retro Classic Europe.
