1954 | Jaguar XK 120 SE DHC

1954 Jaguar XK120 SE Drop Head. Back in 1954, the XK120 was the world's fastest production car. Chassis number S678338 was fitted from new with the desirable Special Equipment package, denoted by the “S” in the chassis number. One of only 1,472 left-hand drive examples built, this was referred to as the SE or M (for “modified”) package on U.S.-delivery XKs, the upgrade option was introduced in 1951 to keep the XK 120 competitive against European rivals. The package consisted of outfitting the engine with high-lift camshafts, stiffer rear springs, a dual exhaust system, and a lightened flywheel. This brought it out to a total output of 180 horsepower. Furthermore, the car offered is one of the rarer and far more practical drophead coupé models, featuring a proper insulated hood, walnut burl dashboard, and roll-up glass windows. The car was completed on 14 May 1954 and finished in Pastel Green with a Suede Green interior and Sand coloured hood. It was dispatched to distributor Charles Hornberg in Los Angeles on 26 May 1954, who sold the car to its first owner, a local businessman in Little Rock, Arkansas. The second owner reportedly acquired the car in the early nineties and is said to have attended rallies and car shows in the southern Virginia area. At that time, the car was still in its original livery. This example here has 71,689 miles and only 3 previous owners. This is a matching numbers car with matching cylinder head and engine, confirmed by Tom Kent, XK period spares expert from Arundel, West Sussex. It has since had a colour change to Astral metallic silver with red interior. The restoration took place between 2007 & 2015 & it underwent a body off restoration in the USA by the then owner Oliver Farinholt. The body off restoration included Electrical harness, Steering, Hydraulics and exhaust. Further work including, rear differential, re trimming the convertable mechanism and a body off repaint to Astral metallic silver with a re trimmed interior to red leather. Accompanying invoices show more than $45,000 was spent on the vehicle during its restoration. It has since completed the Zoute rally in belgium with its current owner. This car features Wire Wheels, Original Grease Gun, Original Tool Kit, Extensive amounts of UK & US History, FIVA Approved with Certificate, Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, Original Jack, Original Tire Irons, Original Knock-off Mallet & Operating Manual. This is a real drivers car, as well as being a great investment. £98,995 any inspection welcome.