Jaguar - XK120 DHC 3.4 - 1954
Starting bid
€ 1
Add to your favourites to get an alert when the auction starts.
Expert
Selected by Arjan Rietveld
Thirty years' experience with classic cars, specialising in Italian cars and Porsche.
Estimate € 70,000 - € 82,000
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 143139 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Description from the seller
General:
This 1954 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupé (DHC) represents the peak of the XK120 series evolution and is widely regarded as the most “pure” expression of the entire XK120-150 lineage. Unlike the successor Jaguar XK150, which appeared in 1957 with a wider, bulkier body to accommodate the American market’s comfort demands, the XK120 preserves the fluid and narrow lines envisioned by William Lyons. This original design was not compromised by the later US safety regulations affecting subsequent models, maintaining the slim bumpers and the delicate vertical radiator grille that defined post-war aesthetics. Being a Matching Numbers example, this vehicle retains the mechanical and visual essence that established Jaguar as a world leader in style and performance.
BODYWORK AND PAINT:
This is the 1954 Drophead Coupé version, recognized as the rarest and most desirable configuration of this model. The exterior presents in the classic red tone, accented by period chrome detailing on the front grille, bumpers, and original trim. The silhouette preserves iconic elements such as the split windscreen and the door mirrors mounted on the wings, sitting on original wheels with chrome hubcaps and whitewall tires that reinforce its timeless aesthetic. It should be noted that the paint shows evident signs of age and use, with several imperfections suggesting a cosmetic touch-up or a new paint job to achieve a higher display standard. The areas requiring intervention are documented in the photographs, and there are also dried-out rubber components that would benefit from replacement at the new owner’s discretion.
MECHANICS:
The vehicle is powered by its original 3.4-liter (3442cc) six-cylinder engine, delivering approximately 150 horsepower. The mechanical configuration is fully original, including SU carburettors and a 4-speed manual gearbox. The engine bay preserves the brand’s historic authenticity, including the complete spare wheel. This double-overhead-camshaft engine was the heart of Jaguar’s dominance at Le Mans, ensuring that this classic is not merely a collectible piece but a high-performance historical machine.
INTERIOR:
The cockpit features cream leather upholstery in generally good condition, showing only natural wear from use. The instrument panel is crafted in walnut wood and houses the original gauges, including the tachometer and the complete auxiliary instrumentation. The interior equipment is complemented by the original leather steering wheel, period radio, and the partial odometer, maintaining the luxurious and sporty ambiance characteristic of Jaguar luxury models from the 1950s.
DOCUMENTATION:
As a vehicle manufactured in 1954, this Jaguar is exempt from the need for a Certificate of Conformity (CoC). This feature significantly simplifies the homologation and registration process in any European Union country, facilitating its integration into international collections.
PICK-UP:
The vehicle is available for detailed inspection and physical pickup in Fazendas do Cortiço, Portugal. A personal visit is recommended to properly assess restoration potential and the authenticity of the mentioned components.
OTHER INFORMATION:
The Jaguar XK120 is one of the most emblematic classic cars ever produced, carrying a deep heritage on public roads as well as in endurance racing history. The Drophead Coupé variant is particularly sought after by collectors due to its rarity and the additional comfort provided by its superior insulation. This specific example presents an excellent investment opportunity, combining the purity of the original design with the guaranteed appreciation of a Matching Numbers engine in a classic market that is increasingly demanding.
General:
This 1954 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupé (DHC) represents the peak of the XK120 series evolution and is widely regarded as the most “pure” expression of the entire XK120-150 lineage. Unlike the successor Jaguar XK150, which appeared in 1957 with a wider, bulkier body to accommodate the American market’s comfort demands, the XK120 preserves the fluid and narrow lines envisioned by William Lyons. This original design was not compromised by the later US safety regulations affecting subsequent models, maintaining the slim bumpers and the delicate vertical radiator grille that defined post-war aesthetics. Being a Matching Numbers example, this vehicle retains the mechanical and visual essence that established Jaguar as a world leader in style and performance.
BODYWORK AND PAINT:
This is the 1954 Drophead Coupé version, recognized as the rarest and most desirable configuration of this model. The exterior presents in the classic red tone, accented by period chrome detailing on the front grille, bumpers, and original trim. The silhouette preserves iconic elements such as the split windscreen and the door mirrors mounted on the wings, sitting on original wheels with chrome hubcaps and whitewall tires that reinforce its timeless aesthetic. It should be noted that the paint shows evident signs of age and use, with several imperfections suggesting a cosmetic touch-up or a new paint job to achieve a higher display standard. The areas requiring intervention are documented in the photographs, and there are also dried-out rubber components that would benefit from replacement at the new owner’s discretion.
MECHANICS:
The vehicle is powered by its original 3.4-liter (3442cc) six-cylinder engine, delivering approximately 150 horsepower. The mechanical configuration is fully original, including SU carburettors and a 4-speed manual gearbox. The engine bay preserves the brand’s historic authenticity, including the complete spare wheel. This double-overhead-camshaft engine was the heart of Jaguar’s dominance at Le Mans, ensuring that this classic is not merely a collectible piece but a high-performance historical machine.
INTERIOR:
The cockpit features cream leather upholstery in generally good condition, showing only natural wear from use. The instrument panel is crafted in walnut wood and houses the original gauges, including the tachometer and the complete auxiliary instrumentation. The interior equipment is complemented by the original leather steering wheel, period radio, and the partial odometer, maintaining the luxurious and sporty ambiance characteristic of Jaguar luxury models from the 1950s.
DOCUMENTATION:
As a vehicle manufactured in 1954, this Jaguar is exempt from the need for a Certificate of Conformity (CoC). This feature significantly simplifies the homologation and registration process in any European Union country, facilitating its integration into international collections.
PICK-UP:
The vehicle is available for detailed inspection and physical pickup in Fazendas do Cortiço, Portugal. A personal visit is recommended to properly assess restoration potential and the authenticity of the mentioned components.
OTHER INFORMATION:
The Jaguar XK120 is one of the most emblematic classic cars ever produced, carrying a deep heritage on public roads as well as in endurance racing history. The Drophead Coupé variant is particularly sought after by collectors due to its rarity and the additional comfort provided by its superior insulation. This specific example presents an excellent investment opportunity, combining the purity of the original design with the guaranteed appreciation of a Matching Numbers engine in a classic market that is increasingly demanding.
Details
Brand
Jaguar
Model type
XK120 DHC 3.4
Year
1954
Located in
Portugal
Mileage reading
4694 mi
Registration papers
with American registration
Transmission
Manual
Fuel
Petrol
Horse power
150
Cubic capacity
3440
Matching numbers
Yes
Matching colours
Yes
Service book/history
No
Valid MOT
No
CoC (Certificate of Conformity) present
No
Chassis number
678030
Condition (Paint & body)
Very Good: minor chips or scratches, minor conventional body and paintwork
Condition (Interior)
Very Good: clean, showing minimal wear. May require replacement of minor missing or broken parts
Condition (Frame & underbody)
Good: frame/structure shows minor signs of surface rust, signs of usage/wear, may require some attention
Condition (Mechanical)
Good: mechanically sound. May require maintenance and repair
Condition (Overall)
Good condition: visible signs of wear and general ageing
Vehicle registration
We can help buyers register their vehicle through our trusted external partner. The process is straightforward and can be completed after purchase. Vehicle registration remains the buyer's responsibility.
Sold by
Disclaimer
Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
