As I have the possibility to bu a low mileage XJR 308 (2500ml) with a little front and rear accident I was thinking of my future project car.
I know the MKII/XJR Beacham cars, but it is a very hard job to get it function. The rear axle form the xjr is to large and had to be modified and the front axle is only a modified MKII one, not a perfect solution. So I am thinking why don't use a bad XJC and make a complete chassis-swap with a shortend xjr chassis under the car. I saw o the fiboy page some interesting mods and reinforcments for the xjc body and some of then (roof ) had to be made with this modification, but the rest could be a more easier fit!

Anybody made something like that on a xjc-xj I_II_III?

Best Pagodino

 

Interesting...approach. I think its doable with enough time and money. I'd start with a convertible chassis. Sedans derive much of there structural integrity from the roof and pillars which are not very good on a XJ coupe. Perhaps starting with a smaller convertible solves that issue and will allow you to hang the XJC body a bit easier. Most of the successful chassis swaps I've seen involve putting a larger body on a slightly smaller chassis.

 

Would be a lovely project!

I don't think, however, that the 308 has a chassis as such. The body shell IS the chassis, rolling on a front and rear subframe.

I would be very surprised if there is a detachable chassis. Look at the pic below. I think that is the chassis:

 

"I don't think, however, that the 308 has a chassis as such. The body shell IS the chassis, rolling on a front and rear subframe."



Yes you are correct, its a monocoque construction meaning no separate chassis as such so i would imagine if you hack away the floor/ chassis rails etc without proper bracing the top half would just fall apart. That pic is i believe an x350 not 308 but it does demonstrate the monocoque construction perfectly.

 

Surely, it's easier (relatively!) to transfer the axles, running gear, etc from an xjr to the xjc.

Extra strengthening can be added to the xjc chassis, something similar to FiBoys plus what Lynx did to make the XJC convertible.

When they were relatively plentiful, I always wanted an XJC convertible or T-top. I still do but maybe later.

 

Most anything is doable with the tools, material & skills. Even mating two different monocoque shells. In essence, they are built on a platform.


So, the theory is to remove the upper structures from the platforms and then apply the desired structure to the desired platform.


What can you loose. Two cars with separate issues????


Well, yeah, one is a bit rare...


Carl

 

Here the pics of a separated x308 chassis, shortend it will go unter a XJC.
Using a XK8 could be interesting and go directly convertible on the cabrio bases from the xk8. Nice idea!

Best pagodino

 

Would be a smashing machine though, beautiful xjc body and a thumping v8 soul. If you can do it, go for it. Nothing that nice would ever be easy! But would be worth it.

 

Hi Pagodino,

Did you ever manage to complete your project? I was comparing the length, width and wheelbase of 1973-1997 XJs as well as the more recent XKRs and it seems it could work, at least if you manage to adapt the body a bit.

Best,