https://www.motor1.com/news/549376/j...carlex-design/

I am an unabashed lover of any and all restomods. Collecting cars is going to change, because if you want these things driveable, we're going to have to update them for future laws and rules (and sure, I am sure the purists can make sure every mod is reversible). I'm figuring the designations for classic or historical vehicle in California aren't anything more than a revenue stream, and serves zero purpose for a car owner, other than making your annual mileage limited, and there's no smog exemption anyway. I don't know if I get it, but those draconian rules will lead to more restomods. I'm figuring ICE to EV swaps will be more frequent as aftermarket electrical parts starts gaining traction, and I'll probably gussy up my Wrangler and style it out a bit. All that being said, I love this, and I know some will not like it at all. Just thought I'd share.

 

If the car doesn't have intrinsic value in original trim then a restomod makes sense. A car with documented history and provenance is different than one that's "old and cool." The latter I have no issues with giving modern brakes, fuel injection, safety equipment, etc. If it was Ken Miles' race car it should be a proper restoration. If it's one of many assembly line models that has no history, continuing to live life with some modern updates seems a fine future. Cars are made to be driven. I'm not sure about some of the styling choices made with this one, but I'm not the owner. They didn't destroy a masterpiece by chroming the Mona Lisa, so go for it. It stands out and looks to be good craftsmanship.

 

Perfectly stated lizzardo. The car pictured is something I'd lust after if it weren't for the fender flares and wide wheels.

 

I’m interested in this Carlex Design project too, I’m going to be in their workshop in a couple of weeks so I’ll quiz them on this. They do custom interiors so I’m not sure how/if they are going through with this concept.. but I’ll be sure to ask and report back. I know the owner has a soft spot for XJC’s as I bought one off him

 

Widebody kits used to make an effort to blend with the lines of the cars.

Now they just look like tacked on/bolted on junk in most cases.

 

I like it fishbits! I had 2 XJ 6'S and 2 XJ R's, and always admired the XJ C along the route. My neighbor has a 1976 stuffed in his garage, and was encouraged to purchase it new from the showroom in SF as his friend advised it would become very valuable. Best guess IMO with 15k miles, undriven in my 6 yrs as neighbor, is about $12K, considering the refurbishment likely needed.
What say thee of XJ C knowledge?
Doc

 

Just an update on the Carlex Design XJC restomod if anyone is interested as I was in there recently. They are outsourcing the project and have yet to choose who will do the build. The one thing they are doing themselves is the interior which as you can see is a huge project and radical redesign. The estimated cost for the project is 1 million euros (that’s not a typo) and they are not starting the project until they have a buyer lined up. So it’s a bit of a non starter really. Still it’s an amazing design and it would be cool to see the project go ahead

 

I like the restoration that Harry's Garage did with a V-12 XJ Coupe and manual transmission. And I'm sure it didn't cost a million Euros.

 

Harry's build is so nice! love how he documented the whole thing too. The Carlex Design build is nuts though.. here is what the interior is going to look like. But I don't thing the project will ever go ahead.. 1 million euros for a car that doesn't time travel or fly? it's nuts. Talking to the guys at Carlex Design.. even they don't think they will ever build this. looks cool though

 

My wife would leave me because I would spend all day in that leather crafted den of joy. lol

 

Incredible isn't it!! got a spare 1 million euros?