Finished in Brewster Green with a biscuit leather interior, ‘GRG 690’ is a 1954 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupé that’s been carefully restored and improved over the past 14 years to better meet the needs of 21st century roads and traffic.

Ivor Searle, the well-known engine specialist, rebuilt the XK120’s heart at great cost in 2018, a job that included full dynamic balancing, modifying the rear crank seal to the modern type, locking the tappet guides, and fitting hardened valves and seats for unleaded petrol amongst much more.

The engine itself has the correct numbers for the year and benefits from the later B-type cylinder head for even better torque at low revs.

The gearbox, Salisbury rear axle, and body numbers are all correct for the year too, and the clutch is a diaphragm type.

Of course, the braking system was gone through too, with new brake pipes, drums, and linings being fitted as a matter of course.

The seller assures us that the brakes now lock under heaving braking, someth...