Thornley Kelham has restomodded the Jaguar XK120 | GRR
Thornley Kelham, expert restorer, preparer and latterly resto-modder of classic cars has revealed its latest project. Meet the Jaguar XK European, a restoration and reimagining of a classic 1950s icon.
The project takes derelict XKs as their base and transforms them, with the European in this instance intending to be to the XK what the Lightweight was to the Jaguar E-Type. The nipped and tucked body is all aluminium with design input from McLaren P1 designer, Paul Howse. Major changes include a lower roofline, alongside some added curvature in the sides.
In general, the XK’s natural proportions have been exaggerated, with wider arches front and rear and wider wire wheels to fill them. Keeping with the racey look, there are no chrome finishers either, around the windows or the lights. The rear has also been tapered, with integrated rear lights.
At the heart of any classic Jaguar is of course that XK straight-six engine, though in this case with around 30 per cent more power. The 3.8-litre unit has been upgraded with direct fuel injection, and a more aggressive cam to deliver up to 340PS (250kW). More power means that supporting modifications are needed to keep it lubricated and cool.
That power goes to the rear wheels via a modified five-speed manual transmission and a new limited-slip differential. Specially-tuned double-wishbone suspension all round with Bilstein shocks and Eibach springs should give the XK European the control you’d expect of a racing Jaguar. Quite the upgrades in place of the original’s leaf springs and solid rear axle.
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?