2005-11-10 12:30:24 | Lofty writes:

Reg. MTM 424

2008-04-17 14:44:52 | Peter Ingram writes:

The number shown in the Body section 667087 is the correct chassis number which fits the description of the car in New Zealand. Owner is believed to be Rowland Ward. The engine is correct

667076 is alive and well in England and has the reg as above also built in 1953 October

2008-10-29 17:10:09 | pauls writes:

Car was at auction 10/08
www.motorbase.com/auctionlot/by-id/1374721411/

Auction description:
First registered in January 1954, this XK120 Drophead Coupe was manufactured in October 1953, as an article in the history file by XK historian David Bentley confirms. An original UK market right-hand drive car, it retains its original colour scheme of British Racing Green with a Suede Green interior and black hood. Supplied new to a Squadron Leader Devilliers of Hertford, the car subsequently passed to NJ Hart of Weston-Super-Mare from whom it was acquired by Cedric Thomas in 1972, also of Weston. Thomas had just given up a 25-year career as a motor mechanic and bought the XK as a project to keep him occupied in his retirement. Something of a perfectionist, he was to spend the next 30 years in a money-no-object restoration to bring the car up to standard. Every single part of the car has been renewed or restored as necessary including a full engine rebuild with new pistons, bearings, timing chains etc. Great care was taken to match all components perfectly, the result being an engine that is said to be uncommonly smooth and quiet with no lumpiness or rattles, even on tick-over. The Salisbury hypoid rear axle was also totally rebuilt, as was the Moss gearbox using double helical gears for a smoother action. Bodywork repairs were entrusted to Bill Lawrence in the New Forest who spent four years getting everything just right, using new rear wings supplied by RS Panels of Nuneaton. Lead-loaded in the traditional way where necessary, there is no filler in the car. The paintwork is traditional cellulose applied in many coats to give a deep shine that will stand years of polishing. The chromework was entrusted to S&T of Bristol and was given a copper base layer before plating in order to ensure the best quality finish. The interior retrim was entrusted to Nick Turley of Suffolk & Turley fame, and has been done to the high standards you would expect of Britain's foremost trimmer. This included top quality hide on all the leather surfaces, a new canvas hood with the correct inner lining and a thorough refurbishment of all the woodwork. Needless to say the car is now looking absolutely lovely and is said to drive as well as it looks. XK values have remained buoyant over recent years and this would appear to be a fine specimen whose restoration could not be replicated at the guide price suggested today.
Lot Details
Auction Classic Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia
Brightwells Auctioneers and Valuers, Leominster
Type Car
Lot Number 097
Estimate £41000-£45000
Outcome SOLD
Hammer Price £41000
Hammer Price (inc premium) -
Year 1953
Condition rating 0
Registration number MTM 424
Mileage -
Chassis number 667076
Engine number W9888-8
Engine capacity (cc) 3442

2010-01-18 21:37:28 | Andrew Murray writes:

almost thought this was dads old car which he had in papakura NZ until he sold it in 1965. the rego was 677 067 !!
It was Silver with a red interior..wonder where it is now?? if anyone knows please email me at andrewmurray7@bigpond.com
Thanks

2013-03-10 00:51:55 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 5/13
classiccars.brightwells.com/viewdetails.php

Auction description:
Lot number 78
Hammer value N/S (est. £62,500 - £65,000)
Description Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupe
Registration MTM 424
Year 1954
Colour British Racing Green
Engine size 3,442 cc
Chassis No. 667076
Engine No. W9888-8

Although it was first registered in January 1954, this particular XK120 Drophead Coupe was manufactured in October 1953, as an article in the history file by XK historian David Bentley confirms. One of just 295 original UK market cars, it retains its original colour scheme of British Racing Green with a Suede Green interior and black hood. Supplied new to a Squadron Leader Devilliers of Hertford by Henly's of London, the car subsequently passed to NJ Hart of Weston-Super-Mare from whom it was acquired by Cedric Thomas in 1972, also of Weston.

Thomas had just given up a 25-year career as a motor mechanic and bought the XK as a project to keep him occupied in his retirement. Something of a perfectionist, he was to spend the next 30 years in a money-no-object restoration to bring the car up to standard.

Every single part of the car has been renewed or restored as necessary including a full engine rebuild with new pistons, bearings, timing chains etc. The Salisbury hypoid rear axle was also totally rebuilt, as was the original Moss gearbox using double helical gears for a smoother action.

Bodywork repairs were entrusted to Bill Lawrence in the New Forest who spent four years getting everything just right, using new rear wings supplied by RS Panels of Nuneaton. Lead-loaded in the traditional way where necessary, there is no filler in the car. The paintwork is traditional cellulose applied in many coats to give a deep shine that will stand years of polishing. The chromework was entrusted to S&T of Bristol and was given a copper base layer before plating in order to ensure the best quality finish.

The interior retrim was entrusted to Nick Turley of Suffolk & Turley fame, and has been done to the high standards you would expect of Britain's foremost trimmer. This included top quality hide on all the leather surfaces, a new canvas hood with the correct inner lining and a thorough refurbishment of all the woodwork.

The current vendor acquired the car in 2008 and has continued to maintain it regardless of cost. This included a second engine rebuild at marque specialist VSE in June 2009 when a rear oil seal conversion was also carried out at a cost of some £3,750. Other improvements include an uprated alloy radiator with an electric cooling fan, uprated Koni front shock absorbers, new steering and suspension bushes throughout, stainless steel brake hoses and a stainless steel exhaust. The hood was also refitted by a specialist and is said to be totally snug and leak-free.

Since the second engine rebuild when the odometer was re-set to zero, the car has been in regular use and has covered some 3,200 miles including a tour of the Lake District, driving beautifully and performing faultlessly at all times. MOT'd until September 2013 and taxed until the end of August, it is only reluctantly being sold to fund the purchase of a vintage Bentley.

As snug as a fixed-head, more practical than a roadster and much rarer than both, the drophead is to many the most desirable XK120 of all. This thoroughly sorted, matching numbers example, with few owners and a known history from new, looks like a shrewd investment at the guide price suggested today.

2018-04-06 07:57:59 | Chris Beckett writes:

I have owned this car since March 2013.

2018-04-07 10:50:15 | Peter Ingram writes:

Chris I am sure your body number is a misread. Should be P 2144

2019-03-17 11:23:34 | pauls writes:

Car to return to auction 5/19

www.silverstoneauctions.com/1954-jaguar-xk120-dhc

Auction description:

A Sale of British Marques 2019 » Lot List » 1954 Jaguar XK120 DHC

Registration: MTM 424

Chassis Number: 667076

Engine Number: W9888/8

Number of cylinders: 6

CC: 3442cc

Year of Manufacture: 1954

RHD/LHD: Right Hand Drive

Estimate (£): 75,000 - 85,000

UK-supplied, right-hand drive, factory colour scheme, restored to a very high standard

Excellent condition accompanied by a fully documented history folder. Jaguar Heritage Certificate

Delightfully presented in British Racing Green, over Suede Green with a Black Hood

On-the-button with subtle upgrades for reliability and well maintained over the years

With an interesting history from new. Rarely do examples of this quality come to market

 According to its Jaguar Heritage Certificate, MTM 424 was an XK120 Drophead Coupe finished in British Racing Green with a Suede Green interior and a Black hood. One of just 295 right-hand drive, home market cars it was manufactured in October 1953, first registered in January the following year, and supplied new by Henlys of London to Squadron Leader Desmond de Villiers of Hertford. ‘Dizzy' de Villiers AFC was the Chief Test Pilot at the De Havilland Aircraft Company, the world’s first open cockpit pilot to reach supersonic speed (albeit inadvertently, the cockpit canopy flew off mid-flight), the second British pilot to exceed Mach 2, Chief Experimental Test Pilot on the English Electric Lightning programme (making more than 1,000 flights), and who, during his test career, flew more than 6,000 hours in 130 different aircraft types. It's hard to believe these days, but during the Fifties and early Sixties, test pilots were seen as exceedingly glamorous and the majority were household names.

Ownership of the car subsequently changed to NJ Hart of Weston-Super-Mare before being acquired by Cedric Thomas in 1972, also of Weston. Mr Thomas, a retired professional automotive engineer, purchased the XK as a project to keep him occupied in his retirement years. Something of a perfectionist, the project would soon become, what could only be described as an obsession, with a money-no-object restoration over a 30-year period, and the result is simply spectacular. 

The car was totally stripped to single components before being either restored or renewed and carefully reassembled to mostly original specification. The engine was removed and fully rebuilt using new pistons, bearings and timing chains etc. Suspension components were stripped and rebuilt as was the gearbox and back axle. Documents within the car's History File confirm that the bodywork restoration was entrusted to specialist Bill Lawrence. Panels were replaced only when absolutely necessary, the rear wings were sourced by RS panels of Nuneaton, with the rest of the bodywork prepared and built up by lead loading in the old-fashioned way. This can be a fairly laborious task but the results are worth it particularly when the car is treated to a number of coats of its original British Racing Green in traditional cellulose as here. Modern finishes have lots of advantages but it's difficult to replicate the sheer depth of gloss afforded by cellulose paint particularly when applied by a skilled craftsman. Equally, the Chromework was refinished by the very best in the business and is exceptional. The retrimming of the car's interior was entrusted to Nick Turley of Suffolk & Turley fame and has been completed to the very high standard you would expect with all the cockpit woodwork veneers superbly refinished, rebuilt seating in Suede Geen leather, new carpets and a new canvas hood with the correct inner lining.

The Jaguar received further attention in 2008 when, according to documents within the file, a second engine rebuild was carried out by marque specialist VSE including a rear main seal update. Further updates to improve driveability and reliability include an alloy radiator, electric cooling fan, and uprated Koni shock absorbers. 

Today the 120 still presents beautifully and, according to our vendor, performs without fault. It starts on-the-button and the engine sounds keen and healthy. A home market Drophead Coupe in its original timeless colour combination, fastidiously restored with a known history, is regarded by many as the most desirable variant to own. 

2019-04-20 10:13:55 | Dan Green writes:

Great info on this vehicle

I've just found this and read it back to my grandad. A 94 year old Cedric Thomas!

I grew up watching this car being built in his garage and reading him the description of his work listed here has made him smile :)

2020-05-28 10:51:58 | Tony writes:

Superb and complete restoration over many years including engine, axle and gear Moss gear box Not that far short of concourse so in regular use in good weather.

2023-03-22 09:23:46 | pauls writes:

Car returns to auction 3/23

www.carandclassic.com/auctions/no-reserve-1954-jaguar-xk120-drophead-coupe-gyR7k ...

Auction description:

1953 Jaguar XK120 DHC

Colour British Racing Green

Odometer 7,852 Miles

Engine size 3442

Auction DetailsSeller Type Private

Town Mortlake

Location London

Country United Kingdom, previously Banstead, Surrey

A very rare, original right-hand drive drophead coupé - one of under 300 produced

Beautifully restored and remaining excellent condition throughout

Heritage certificate confirming matching numbers

Original combination of British Racing Green with suede green interior and black hood

Paint work and brightwork in excellent condition

Rarely seen and desirable spats are still fitted

Very comprehensive history file - meticulously maintained 

Drives beautifully and ready to be enjoyed!

First registered 21st January 1954

One of fewer than 300 original UK right-hand drive XK120 drophead coupés ever produced 

The original owner was RAF Squadron Leader de Villiers — the chief test pilot for de Havilland and reportedly the only person to ever break the sound barrier in an open-cockpit aircraft, when the canopy blew off mid-flight. He was also chief test pilot during the development of the English Electric Lightning, which performed its first flight in August 1954

MOT passed in February 2023, without advisories

Road Tax and MOT exempt 

Extensive history folder

Jaguar Operating, Maintenance and Service Handbook

Workshop manual

Heritage certificate, which notes that the car was first despatched in November 1953, then subsequently despatched on 21st January 1954

Historic tax discs and MOT certificates 

UK V5C

The car was originally painted British Racing Green, and it still retains this colour 

The owner has kept a maintenance record with entries such as ‘December 2020, ¾ pint of engine oil added. Mileage 7,239’

The Interior

Superb, professionally retrimmed interior

Highly polished walnut veneers

Carpets and leather in excellent condition

The cockpit of this XK120 has been fully retrimmed by Suffolk & Turley, Jaguar coach trimming specialists and they have certainly done an excellent job. The leatherwork on the seats is beautifully executed and the carpets and door cards are similarly good. 

There are only very light signs of use, with some slight creasing evident on the seats. The book-matched burr walnut veneers exhibit a fine grain figure and a warm patina. The vendor notes that there are some early signs of very minor deterioration in the finish, but that this does not detract from its overall appearance. 

A full set of instruments fills the dashboard and keeps the driver informed of the car’s condition at all times. The only issue here is that the clock no longer functions, having been designed to run in a positive earth electrical system, which has since been converted to negative earth. 

The wood-rimmed steering wheel — fixed to an adjustable steering column — is not the original, this having been removed and sent for restoration. The vendor informs us that this work is now complete and the original will be supplied with the car. 

To the rear, the spacious boot is fully carpeted and features a full size spare wheel beneath the floor. There is also a leather tool roll with a full set of high quality period-correct spanners, and other tools. 

The Exterior 

Beautiful British Racing Green paintwork 

Excellent chrome plating

Very clean underneath

The flowing lines of this XK120 look fantastic finished in British Racing Green, with colour-matched steel wheels, rear wheel arch spats (said to be the originals) and that wonderful drophead roof. This Jaguar’s bodywork is beautifully presented throughout with excellent shut lines, as is the paint. 

The vendor informs us that during the car’s restoration new rear wings were fitted, while the front wings were stripped and lead-filled where required. The bonnet, doors and boot lid are all aluminium. 

There are a few very small marks and blemishes which the car has picked up through use, but the paint is still very presentable. Similarly, the chrome plating is very good, with no obvious signs of pitting or damage that we could see. 

All the trim looks great, the badges are smart and the lamp lenses are clear and bright. The fabric hood remains very smart, with no stains, tears or fading we could see. And underneath, the chassis and floor panels are very well presented and clean, with what looks like a layer of protective underseal having been applied 

The Mechanics 

3.4-litre XK engine 

Sensible upgrades such as electronic ignition and high-torque starter motor

Said to run very well and change gear smoothly 

Under the long, slender bonnet of this XK120 lies its secret weapon: the 3.4-litre XK engine which provides the car with its stunning performance. In its day it was pretty much the fastest thing on the road and opening up the throttle as you pulled onto an unrestricted motorway slip road must have been quite the sensation. 

Lifting the bonnet reveals an extremely clean and tidy engine bay, with hardly a spec of dirt to be seen. The polished aluminium camshaft covers gleam proudly in the centre and the twin S.U. carburettors sit to the side. There is an aluminium coolant expansion tank fitted.

The vendor informs us that the car starts on the button and drives well. It features a Moss gearbox which is said to change smoothly up and down. First gear and reverse are straight cut, so a little louder than the other gears by design. The engine reportedly maintains a healthy oil pressure and we’re told that there is rarely any need to top up the oil or coolant any more than you would expect on a car of this vintage.