When the XK120 debuted in 1948, it stunned the world and took Jaguar by surprise. It was sensational to look at and sensationally quick, with it soon proven that 120 really did stand for 120 MPH. As for the XK, that stood for its famed 6-cylinder twin-overhead-cam XK engine, which debuted in the XK120, powered C- and D-Type Le Mans winners and endured until 1986. Jaguar reveled in the publicity but couldn’t handle the demand. With an initial 240 examples hand crafted in aluminum over ash frames, it wasn’t until 1950 that the company had tooled up to deliver a true production XK120 model with a steel body. A more costly fixed head coupe with added refinements of walnut dash and trim, improved ventilation, roll-up windows and opening quarterlights, arrived in 1951. The final flourish, and most expensive of all, was the drophead coupe of 1953, which augmented the refinements of the fixed head coupe with a three-layer, wool-lined, folding convertible top in place of the roadster’s rudimentary removable soft top. With a reprofiled windshield and opening windows in place of the roadster’s leaky side screens, the drophead coupe offered far more comfort and weather and wind protection, so much so that Jaguar felt confident enough of its improved water tightness to furnish the carpeted interior with burl walnut veneers on the fascia and door cappings instead of a leather-faced dash that was less susceptible to water damage. With its higher door line, the XK120 drophead coupe even had external, lockable door handles. Moreover, as the last model to join the lineup, the drophead coupe benefited from the upgrade program, now including the Salisbury differential. Not only is the drophead coupe the rarest of all production XK120s with just 1,765 produced, but it’s the 120 of choice for many touring motorists on account of its blend of refinement and practicality with fresh-air fun. Indeed, even on a crisp fall day it can be enjoyed with the top stowed, thanks to the heater fitted as standard. Finished in Dove Gray with red leather upholstery and carpets, it’s pleasing to see that the specification of this left-hand drive 1953 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupe from The Rick Grant III Estate Collection includes body-color-matched steel wheels with the fender skirts that further enhance the line and suit the drophead far better than finicky wire wheels. Chassis No. 677512 was restored in 2003 by Classic Showcase of San Marcos, California, with the 3.4L 6-cylinder engine, 4-speed manual gearbox, suspension and Smiths instrumentation restored at that time. The British Daily Herald newspaper enthused that the XK120 was “the fastest ever tourer, yet as docile in heavy traffic as the most expensive and biggest saloons.” Indeed, for the committed touring driver, the XK120 drophead coupe is the most versatile of all.
