A first-rate driving machine needs to be accompanied by a commensurate interior appointment and the XK European shouldn’t disappoint on that front; carefully modernised without abandoning the original look. There’s an improved driving position compared to the original, in line with the lowered roof, and sympathetically upgraded seats for better support without sacrificing style. Creature comforts like electric windows, air-conditioning and even Bluetooth make the step back in time of driving a '50s sportscar less jarring. The whole thing is trimmed in stunning Connolly leather, with a body-coloured reconfigured dash.
So, what will all of this set you back? Such a comprehensive transformation doesn’t come cheap, with prices starting at £550,000 in addition to the cost of a donor. That’s likely to rise too, depending on how far you go with customisation. Needless to say, the sky is the limit.
There won’t be many made, with the first commission confirmed. With all the classic car charm, added modern performance and toys, is this a slam-dunk resto-mod?