1953 Jaguar XK 120

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys Arizona event, 23 January 2026.
Offered Without Reserve $60,000 - $80,000 USD

• An enduring classic offering genuine all-weather comfort
• One of the rarest XK 120 variants, second only to the alloy-body Roadster
• Numbers-matching engine block, per the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust
• Factory-correct finishes of Birch Grey over red leather with a French Grey convertible top
• Ideal entry point for prestigious rallies and touring events worldwide

While the XK 120 Roadster stunned the motoring world at its unexpected 1948 Earls Court debut, Jaguar soon broadened the models appeal with the introduction of the Fixed Head Coupe in 1951. Blending the Roadsters thrilling performance with a graceful roofline, roll-up windows, and a richly appointed cabin, the closed car offered a distinctly more refined grand touring experience similar in spirit, yet altogether different in character from the elemental open two-seater.

Bridging these two worlds, the elegant Drophead Coupe arrived in 1953. Combining the open-air freedom of the Roadster with the comfort and luxury of the Fixed Head Coupe, it featured a beautifully lined convertible top with a wool headliner and roll-up windows, ensuring true all-weather capability. The XK 120 Drophead Coupe remains one of the most desirable of the series, surpassed in rarity only by the early alloy-body Roadsters.

Completed 4 May 1953 for distribution through Charles Hornburgs influential Los Angeles dealership, the XK 120 Drophead Coupe offered here is beautifully presented in its elegant factory-correct livery of Birch Grey over red leather, complemented by a French Grey convertible top.

It is said to have benefitted from a restoration by Lake Oswego Restoration of Oregon, completed in 2006. The car retains its numbers-matching engine block (W 8373-8), as confirmed by a copy of a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Production Record Trace Certificate. The prior restorations attention to detail is evident, highlighted by the models signature burled walnut trim, desirable arched-back semi-bucket seats, wide whitewall tires, and rear fender skirts.

A lovely example of Jaguars most elegant XK 120 variant, this Drophead Coupe perfectly balances open-air motoring with grand touring refinement. Ideal for spirited driving or leisurely top-down excursions, it would make a superb entry for prestigious rallies and touring events worldwide.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/az26/.