Hi XJ owners,

Need some advice. I own a rare 2009 Portfolio edition in the gold color. It's very low mileage and has all original parts.

Lately, I've been pre-occupied with the bodykit & upholstery program that is available by Arden (Germany) for my XJ.

I've gone so far as to even get confirmation from Arden's technical and upholstery department that the things I would like to do would be possible.

I am just not sure if I would regret it. Is it better to leave the car alone as is.

If I did do it, I would minimize the work to cosmetics and upholstery only (no engine tuning).

- Arden front bumper kit with mesh grill (Arden logo in 24 ct. gold)
- Arden rear bumper diffuser kit
- Arden spoiler
- Arden 20" Sportline wheels
- Leather trim the entire boot area in same color as my seats -- ivory (Arden upholstery department)

Attached link shows an XJ image of what the exterior could look like (although my car is gold color).

PLEASE NOTE that the wheels shown in the main image of the link aren't the Sportline one's. The Sportline's are in the smaller middle image.

Let me know what you think.

Arden Jaguar - XJ 350/358

 

Hi when I first read your post I thought that would ruin the looks but when I see the pictures I immediately changed my mind looks fantastic how much does it cost

 

Thanks clifton94,

I think Arden does a good job with the styling of their bodykits. Kind of subtle, but enough to enhance the aggressive looks of the car.

Just not sure if I would regret tampering with the car, so am sitting on the fence.

The cost is pricey (especially with the Sportline wheel set of 4), but within my budget.

 

With the Arden bodykit and Sportaline wheels, attached are representative pictures of what the car would look like.

The only difference would be the exterior color, which is gold.

Arden - Cars for sale details

 

BrownRobin,

If you have a rare 2009 Portfolio, think twice before "tuning" your car.
You know that this would cost a lot, maybe in the 10k range, Arden is very pricey and if you think selling the car one day in the future, you will not recover these expenses.
Also running 21" wheels/tyres means departing from the famously soft Jaguar limo ride, by far. 20" Sepang or Callisto wheels are already "firm".
Maybe nice looking but is this what you want?

 

Keep original parts and refit when you sell the cars then sell the arden parts

 

I'm not a huge fan of it but if you have the money and you want to do it, go ahead, YOLO.

 

Have you seen the Wald kit?

That's what I'd go for if money were no object...

 

As beautiful as these cars are as built by the manufacturer, including the Portfolio, they simply will not hold their value over time. Demand is weak.

So if I'm searching for a rare Jaguar, I would run from any modded car. I'm of the opinion that 95% of all mods are clownish looking including the ones pictured in this thread. That's not just me but maybe I'm in the minority.

Ultimately it's your car though. I think it would kill the resale of a rare Portfolio, but if it makes you happy and money clearly is no issue for you either, have at it.

 

The J-Complete body kit from Japan is much classier in my eyes

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...te-then-78921/

IF I was to go for a body kit, this would be the one.

In a scale of Outrageous to Subtle, it goes Wald -> Arden -> J-Complete

I'm not aware of any other body kits for the X350/X358 on the market, not that i've been looking lately. Is there anyone else?

 

Yes I agree - nice and subtle. Would not have my car that low though!

 

I prefer to keep things understated myself, but the world would be less interesting (and far fewer conversation points at meets) if everyone was the same
Cheers
Simon

 

I prefer the look of the Wald. Not particularly thrilled with the look of the Arden's lower bumper LEDs.

 

Interesting! I much prefer the Arden front end including LEDs to the Wald one.

I have the Wald spoiler on mine and love it, one the fence about the rear bumper, I love how outrageous it looks, but not sure I am brave enough to do it. I actually bought the proper Wald oval quad exhaust tips, but decided against fitting them, so anybody after some let me know...

Regarding comments about de-valuing a Portfolio, I don't really it a problem if all changes are reversible, put back to stock for sale, no value lost .

I like the J Complete kit, shame they never did a X358 version.

 

Hi all,

Wanted to thank everyone for the comments and opinions thus far.

After reflection and going to the bookstore yesterday and reading Jaguar World magazine, I have been inspired to stay the "keep as original spec" route.

I love that magazine and enjoyed reading an article inside about the previous generation original spec X308 Super V8 Daimler and how special and beautiful of a car it is on it's own.

 

When I see some of these kitted up cars I do ponder slamming the suspension and customizing the car. It does look cool.