Graceful Power & Matching-Numbers. A Restored 1954 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupe!

HISTORY OF THE XK120 DROPHEAD COUPE:

The Jaguar XK120 was unveiled in 1948 at the London Motor Show, originally designed as a testbed for a new engine by Jaguar chairman and design czar Sir William Lyons. Its sleek styling and potent XK engine quickly captured the attention of sporting-minded enthusiasts worldwide. The “120” designation reflected its claimed top speed of 120 mph — a claim that proved true, making it the fastest production car in the world at the time. Public enthusiasm for its flowing curves and balanced proportions was so strong that production began in 1949. From 1949 to 1954, only 1,765 Drophead Coupes were built, most left-hand drive for the American market, making them among the rarest and most sought-after XK120s today.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED:

This 1954 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupe is finished in its stunning, factory-correct color combination of Red over Biscuit leather with a Fawn canvas cabriolet top. Chassis No. 678270 was completed at Jaguar's Coventry works on April 6, 1954, and dispatched to Charles Hornburg's Santa Monica, California distribution network.

Charles H. Hornburg Jr., Inc. was appointed by Sir William Lyons as Jaguar's exclusive North American distributor west of the Mississippi River in 1948 and was instrumental in the brand's early success in the U.S. Embracing the “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” philosophy, Hornburg sponsored a young Phil Hill at the inaugural Pebble Beach Road Race in May 1950, securing Jaguar's first American motorsport victory. This exposure helped put the marque in front of Hollywood royalty, including Cary Grant, Judy Garland, Bob Hope, Katharine Hepburn, and Walter Pidgeon.

The early history of chassis 678270 remains unknown; however, ownership is documented as far back as March 1981, when the State of Missouri issued a new title to a respected collector in Reeds Spring, Missouri. Over 30 years later, a dealer in nearby Springfield, Missouri acquired the car from the same collection in 2012 and is believed to have commenced its multi-year, full body-off-frame restoration.

When acquired by its previous collector-level owner in 2017, the bodywork, paint, interior, and restored driveline had already been completed. Additional service invoices totaling over $8,000 accompany the car, dating from 2017 to 2019, documenting replacement glass, trim, hardware, and the professional restoration of its dual SU carburetors by a British carburetor specialist in Michigan.

Upon arrival at IT'S ALIVE! the car had not been started for several years. Our in-house specialists sorted and recommissioned the fuel, electrical, charging, steering, exhaust, and cold-start systems, while completing the fitment of the XK120 grille and a new convertible top boot that had yet to be installed. Before being brought to market, nearly $11,000 was invested to return this restored Drophead Coupe to full roadworthy condition.

Today, the car presents beautifully, with freshly detailed paint, interior, and trim. Its rebuilt 3.4-litre XK engine retains matching engine block and cylinder head serial numbers (F2635-8), and the body tag (P2503) ties all major components to the car's April 1954 assembly, as verified by the accompanying Jaguar-Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate.

In late 2025 the XK120 underwent another round of service by our in-house specialists. This included a front brake job with relined Brake Shoes, four Wheel Cylinders, turned Brake Drums and a new TRW Brake Master Cylinder. The Charging System was also renewed with a new positive earth Voltage Regulator and rebuild LUCAS Generator.

Offered now is a well-sorted example of one of Jaguar's most celebrated postwar efforts. The XK120 DHC exemplified Sir William Lyons' guiding principle of “Grace, Pace, and Space,” combining elegant burl walnut interior appointments with genuine grand-touring practicality and the legendary 3.4-litre XK engine capable of 120 mph straight off the showroom floor. The result was a refined yet sporting motorcar equally suited for spirited driving or long-distance touring.

IT'S ALIVE! is pleased and privileged to offer this beautifully restored XK120 Drophead Coupe, finished in its striking factory-correct color combination, to the next discerning caretaker who appreciates the brilliance and timeless elegance that helped establish Jaguar Cars as one of the world's most revered sporting marques.

Opportunities to acquire a well-sorted and numbers-matching example of this iconic postwar grand tourer are becoming increasingly scarce. For additional information or to arrange a viewing, call 314-710-6600 or email Sales@ItsAliveAuto.com today.