Jaguar's Ian Callum 're‑imagines' his Mark 2 ‑ and builds it!

A lot of people think a Mark 2 Jag is pretty spot-on in original factory spec, but here’s an interesting variation on the theme from Jaguar’s own head of design Ian Callum.

Ian’s ‘new’ machine is a thoroughly re-engineered and re-designed Mk2 featuring an uprated 4.3 litre XK engine, 5-speed gearbox, significant suspension mods – and a bit of a design re-think, which we think has a pleasing hint of a muscular ‘in-period’ Broadspeed-type conversion.

“This is a very personal statement,” says Ian. “A long held notion that, although the Mark 2 has always been a beautiful car, it could be even more exciting in shape and performance. Whilst maintaining the purity of the car’s form, I wanted to add a number of modern twists to the design. Simplification and clarity was my objective.”

Well, what do you expect from a confirmed hot rodder? At the last time of asking Ian’s garage also featured a steel-bodied Brookville 3-window Model B with a Ford small-block, and a customised ’56 Chevy. (We’re guessing there’s an F-Type in there too!)

“The stance of the Mark 2 is already excellent, but I wished to make it even better. The car’s form is now 30mm lower and sits on 17” split rim spoke wheels. The bumpers are now part of the overall form. It is a fine balance of extracting and adding,” says Ian,

“I have always loved traditional louvres as seen on many older race cars. Four louvres appear on the side of the car to add to that sense of power and ‘something different’. Of course they had to work, so they have been designed in a low-pressure area for a better internal airflow from the modified engine.”

The suspension has been designed and re-engineered by CMC, the firm that built the car for Ian. The front incorporates a bespoke power assisted rack, uprated coil springs, roll bar and wishbone bushes, adjustable dampers and solid subframe mountings, repositioned to improve anti-dive characteristics. Unique independent rear suspension now includes uprated coil springs, blade control wishbones, outboard disc brakes, an anti-roll bar and adjustable dampers.

So what do you think? Opinions on ‘re-imagined’ classics can be divided, but there’s no doubting the depth and quality of Ian’s approach.

We’re wondering how the car would have looked with bigger spats and big steel wheels, but we’re not about to argue design niceties with Jaguar’s most celebrated creative mind!