When A Jaguar XK Becomes A Beautiful Restomod

Images: Thornley Keynes

Thornley Kelham has revealed the first entirely new project in its ‘European’ range of reimagined automotive legends: the Jaguar XK European, which builds on the success of their Lancia Aurelia Outlaw. Taking a derelict donor Jaguar XK as its base, the bespoke programme allows customers to transform their car into ‘European’ specification, featuring an all-alloy lightweight body penned by McLaren P1 designer, Paul Howse, and a full range of performance and comfort upgrades and enhancements.

Most of the work is carried out in-house by Thornley Kelham, together with a small number of trusted and talented partners.  As well as its work in concours restoration, the in-house team of craftsmen is expert in race-winning classic motorsport engines, and numerous previous projects have involved bespoke enhancements from uprated suspension, steering and brakes, to conversion to fuel injection, and the design and execution of convenience features such as air-conditioning and high-end ICE. In the ‘European’ programme, all that experience comes to bear to create the ultimate incarnation of a number of European sports cars of the golden era, including the Jaguar XK.

Howse’s vision celebrates the original beautifully aerodynamic lines in a way that remains true to the car’s original intentions, echoing the kind of work applied to the E-Type Lightweight. The first major task was to lower the roofline so that the proportions become more elegant and purposeful. The next was to add some curvature to the sides; all the body sections now have an acceleration to them which adds sculpture and muscle but also lightness. The arches are wider both at the front and more significantly at the rear with wider alloy wire wheels filling them out nicely, giving that ‘road racer’ stance.

The brightwork was also removed and instead a subtle crease was introduced down the bonnet which follows the split screen into the roof and washes out over the roof, which is more smoothly integrated into the overall form, as are the rear arches. At the rear, the tail now sweeps up to create a teardrop form. The rear lamps are nestled into the bodywork and the headlights have had the chrome bezels removed, cleaning up the appearance.

Inside, a completely redesigned dashboard and interior echo the original but with a dedication to modernizing and improving wherever possible. The dials are kept in a similar layout but are surrounded by a body colour aluminium dashboard rather than a flat slab of walnut. This is enveloped in the finest leather hugging the dials, now positioned slightly higher. The seating position is a vast improvement over the original, dropping the H-point significantly so that you sit in the car rather than on it and ensuring that the lowered roof doesn’t affect the headroom.

The seats themselves, whilst classic in design, offer more support than the original items. The door design is also more sophisticated and sporting in design, with a slim storage pocket and a completely new door release to not only improve the ergonomics but also the knee clearance for taller drivers.

Electric windows are added, as are electronic gauges and a discreet roll cage, while air-conditioning, power steering, Bluetooth connectivity and a number of in-car entertainment options ensure that every European will offer the thrill of a classic with the convenience and everyday drivability of a modern car.

The Jaguar XK 3.8-litre straight-six engine—which produced around 160–220 bhp in period—is thoroughly reengineered, imbuing the ‘European’ specification with performance akin to a modern sports car. The all-alloy engine is equipped with direct injection, a bespoke camshaft and rebored cylinders for either 300hp or 340hp depending on specification.

To allow the new engine to perform more consistently at higher performance, there is an upgraded aluminium radiator with oil cooler, as well as a louvred bonnet and subtly redesigned vents and apertures. Power is delivered through a redesigned five-speed manual transmission. Each and every component has been carefully considered and thoughtfully designed for the best possible driving experience.

The handling has been enhanced with reconfigured suspension all-round, employing double wishbones at the front, coil overs, tuned Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs. It’s a far more modern package than the original car, which featured basic leaf springs on the rear axle. In fact, the rear axle set up has been completely redesigned, and now incorporates a limited slip differential. Four-piston vented disc brakes equip each wheel.