Jaguar XK120 Drop Head Coupe

About Jaguar XK120 Drop Head Coupe

The Jaguar XK120 Drop Head Coupe (or simply Convertible) was released in 1953 and was the last in the Jaguar XK120 series of cars . The most distinctive feature of the model was the soft, quick-folding roof, as well as some other minor changes. It is worth noting that the early Jaguar XK120 OTS also had a convertible roof, but its design was more complex and took more time.

The model followed the fate of the Jaguar XK120 FHC and was also created to meet demand.

Like other cars in this series, it was presented in a special version SE (Special Edition or simply M for the USA), which had increased power due to some modifications to the engine.

Jaguar XK120 Drop Head Coupe Overview

Production of the model ended in August 1954. 1,767 cars in the DHC body were manufactured, of which: right-hand drive - 295, left-hand drive - 1,472. Most of the cars were exported.

Jaguar XK120 Drop Head Coupe Technical Specification

Engine: 6 cylinders, two camshafts, 3442 hp, cylinder diameter and piston stroke 83x106 mm, compression ratio - 7:1 or 8:1, light alloy connecting rods, two SU carburetors with electric throttle valve, aluminum pistons, crankshaft with seven bearings, block made of cast iron, forced lubrication of the engine with a filter and submersible pump, cylinder head with spherical combustion chambers made of high-quality aluminum.

Gearbox: Four-speed synchronized helical gearbox. Gear ratios: 1at – 11.95, 2at – 7.01, 3at – 4.84, top – 3.54. Optional: 4.09, 3.77, 3.31.

Frame: Made of high strength steel. It has excellent cornering stability thanks to special fasteners.

Suspension: Independent front suspension with wishbone and torsion bar. Newton hydraulic shock absorbers (telescopic). The rear suspension includes Girling PV.7 hydraulic dampers with silicon-manganese steel transverse springs.

Gasoline Equipment: 15 gallon gas tank and SU electric pump, dash mounted gas gauge.

Body: Double, with folding mohair roof. The seats are made of quality leather, separated and adjustable. Removable windows with ventilation. Sunshield. The trunk has a special compartment for tools (illuminated). Little space for luggage behind the seats.

Wheels and Tires: Dunlop “Road Speed” 6.00×16 tires with steel stampings. The spare wheel is in a special compartment located at the rear of the car.

Jacking: A jack in the center of each side makes it easy to jack up two wheels at once.

Brakes: Hydraulic brake system with dual shoe front brakes and 208 square inches of friction area. 12 inch brake drums. Hand brake only on rear wheels. Front drums with air cooling channels.

Control: Screw and ball nut (Burman), quite comfortable to operate. 17 inch Bluemel steering wheel. Left/right hand drive – optional.

Instrument panel: Speedometer 140 mph, oil gauge, rpm gauge, electric clock, cooling water temperature gauge, ammeter, fuel gauge with light signal.

Electrical equipment: Lucas de Luxe kit, pair of 64 amp 12 volt batteries (10 hours charge) with voltage control system, ignition timing with centrifugal regulator, instrument panel lighting, interior lighting, cigarette lighter, headlights, fender lamps, brake lights , reversing lights, two rear lights, starter, double horn, two windshield wipers with washer, air conditioning and heating system.

Dimensions: Turntable – 31′ 0″. Weight – 26 1/2 cwt. Wheelbase – 8′ 6″, front track width – 4′ 3″, rear track width – 4′ 2″. Overall length – approximately 14′ 5″ (above bumpers), width – 5′ 1 1/2″, height – 4′ 4 1/2″ (with roof), 4′ 1 1/2″ (windows), ground clearance – 7 1/8″.

Price: In 1954 - $3975 for the USA.

Jaguar XK120 Drop Head Coupe Photogallery