1951 Jaguar XK120 DHC by Abbott

*Full Photo Set Coming Soon*

1951 Jaguar XK120 Four-Seat Drophead Coupé by Abbott

This unique, all-aluminium coachbuilt XK120 was commissioned in 1950 directly from Sir William Lyons by a wealthy Jaguar client based in New Zealand. The car is documented and illustrated in a number of recognised publications relating to Jaguar and, in particular, the XK120 model.

Jaguar themselves never produced a four-seat version of the XK120, and this exceptional example was therefore created to special order by Abbott of Farnham, the respected Surrey coachbuilder known for producing high-quality bespoke bodies. Notably, this special commission predates Jaguar’s own production XK120 Drophead Coupé by approximately two years.

On 17 April 1951, Jaguar dispatched rolling chassis 660750 to Abbott of Farnham. This is widely regarded as the only confirmed instance in which Sir William Lyons authorised the delivery of a bare XK chassis and engine to an external coachbuilder specifically for complete body construction. Other coachbuilt XK variants were typically supplied as finished cars before being modified. The car was commissioned by David Stuart Mitchell, a businessman resident in Tauranga, New Zealand, who requested a practical four-seat Drophead Coupé suitable for touring.

Abbott commenced work on the body on 13 July 1951, designing and constructing an entirely new four-seat body inspired by the elegant lines of the standard XK120. The body was built in the traditional manner, with hand-formed aluminium panels mounted on an ash frame, consistent with early XK120 construction methods. To accommodate the additional rear seating while maintaining balanced proportions, the design was subtly lengthened, with the luggage compartment repositioned further rearwards on the chassis. These modifications were carefully integrated into the rear wing profile, preserving the visual harmony of the original design.

Most mechanical and trim components were sourced from early XK120 production, with only minor adaptations where required. The car was supplied with several period accessories specified by the original owner, including fog lamps, a radio, and a towing bracket. Abbott completed the car in early 1952, after which it was shipped to its first owner in New Zealand.

The XK120 remained in New Zealand for approximately fifty years before being rediscovered in 2002, at which point a comprehensive restoration programme was undertaken by a respected specialist restoration company based in Christchurch. Prior to restoration, the car was carefully documented and assessed, and was found to be substantially complete, retaining its original components, including the side screens. Some areas required attention, including a distorted hood frame and a replacement boot lid that had been fitted at an earlier stage.

A full body-off restoration was carried out between 2002 and 2006 with close attention to originality and historical accuracy. The chassis and body were fully dismantled and stripped to bare metal, the ash frame was repaired and conserved, and the original aluminium panels were restored where possible, with replacement panels fabricated by hand where necessary. All brightwork was refinished, and the chassis was refurbished in accordance with original factory specifications. Mechanical components, including the engine, gearbox, rear axle, steering and braking systems, were completely overhauled, and the engine was rebuilt with sympathetic internal improvements for reliability.

The interior was retrimmed using materials consistent with the original specification, including Connolly leather upholstery, wool carpeting, and a newly fabricated walnut veneer dashboard. The hood assembly and weather equipment were also fully restored. The restoration required approximately 5,000 hours to complete.

Following completion of the restoration, the car was presented at the prestigious Techno-Classica Essen in 2007, where it received the award for Best Restored Car of the Show.

Today, this Abbott-bodied XK120 represents a rare and historically significant example of British coachbuilding. Its provenance is supported by a comprehensive history file, including factory records, restoration documentation, and references in published works on the marque. All principal identification numbers — chassis, engine, and gearbox — correspond with factory records. The car presents in excellent condition throughout and is well suited to continued use in touring, concours events, and marque gatherings.

Available for sale exclusively with Besley Heritage: P.O.A