Lot 96: The ex-RKO Radio Pictures

1953 JAGUAR XK120 DROPHEAD COUPE Chassis No. 677652 Engine No. W 9185-8 Red with tan leather upholstery and tan soft top Engine: straight six, double overhead camshaft, 3,422cc, 160bhp at 5,250rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension: front, independent with double wishbones and longitudinal torsion bars, rear, live axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs. Brakes: hydraulic drums. Left hand drive. Few cars remain so instantly recognizable as the Jaguar XK120. Its graceful and all-enveloping shape influenced the changing design of post-war sports cars. Introduced as a roadster in 1948 at the London Motor Show, it revolutionized the world's sports car market by providing a genuine 120mph, hence the name. The superb twin-cam six cylinder engine was to become a mainstay of all future Jaguar products, and provided five Le Mans 24-hour victories between 1951 and 1957. The final variant of the XK120 was the drophead coupe that provided a more civilized version of the sports car with a fully folding and properly trimmed hood, wind-up windows and more luxurious fittings. This model is the rarest of all the XK120s. The production run, replaced by the XK140 in 1954, was short lived and only 1,767 were built. Bodywork is the standard two seater, two door convertible style with vee screen, integral projecting trunk, opening quarter windows, split front bumper bars, vertical rear overriders and a superb walnut-veneered fascia panel and cappings with an easy-fold, fully lined hood. This all matching numbers vehicle was imported into the US through the main west coast Jaguar distributor, Hornburg of Los Angeles, California and was, we understand, sold new to RKO studios. According to its Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust trace certificate it was dispatched from the UK on 21 July 1953 and was British Racing Green with tan upholstery. An original California pink slip that accompanies this Jaguar shows that the vehicle was registered to Albert B. Taylor, RKO Radio Pictures, 750 Gower, Hollywood, California. Albert Taylor was apparently the Treasurer of RKO when Howard Hughes owned the studio and it is quite probable that various celebrities used this XK. Howard Hughes acquired RKO Radio pictures in 1948, however his mismangement of the company saw production dwindle; employees went from 2,500 down to 600. Instead of "Best Picture Nominations" RKO became known for its stable of big breasted starlets and its emphasis on cleavage! This Drophead Coupe XK120 underwent a substantial restoration in the mid 1980s totalling around $90,000, according to a former owner. It seems that much of the work was carried out by different firms at different periods in time and today some of the prior cosmetic work has mellowed considerably. The paintwork is presentable, but there are a number of minor blemishes on close inspection. The engine bay and undercarriage area are generally clean and sound looking and evident of a former high degree of finish. The dashboard woodwork has a thick layer of varnish. Some of the interior trim appears original, although both seats have been re-uphostered. The convertible top has also been replaced at some stage and fits well. The exhaust is a full stainless steel unit. While the Jaguar is currently sitting on chrome wire wheels, in the past they were red painted wires as evident by the spare located in the trunk. There is also a replacement tool roll with some tools, a tire pump and the jack. There is a UK vanity style number plate which reads RKO 120.