I love their weekly videos on YouTube, but this is a write-up on the XJ project.

https://retropower.co.uk/2019/02/04/...ered-restomod/

Enjoy,

Jeff H.

 

Counter point... All style, no substance.

This builder doesnt understand the XJC. They flex, a lot... and the chassis needs to be re-inforced in many places. Adding power, up-rated suspension and high performance tires will just exaggerate the chassis flex and result in a very unrewarding driving experience. I also wouldn't be surprised if this car changes lanes automatically while under power and while going over any sort of road imperfections. Also XJ coupes crack at the top of the A pillar and base of the C pillar with stock suspension, tires, and power levels. If its being driven...I wouldn't be surprised of the body is cracking in a few of these places. Most 70's cars are soft and there is a whole industry of upgraded and fully boxed chassis for 60's and 70's muscle cars for a reason.

Lots of flash in the pan cosmetic choices on this car that may not play out well over time. The dark gray over brown color set was all the rage for BMW's and Alfa's a few years ago but trendy colors don't really work on a classic car for long. Classic Jag's looks better is classic colors. Resto mods look better in bright color, modern cars look good in modern colors. The vertical lines on the door panels look terrible and interrupt the sleek horizontal lines that are natural to a coupe.

I don't understand the split rear bumper? Is that a 70's Camaro, Corvette or MG thing? The XJC is a classic all its own and doesn't need styling cues from lesser makes.

There were some pictures of this cars mechanicals on the internet that have been scrubbed, some were clearly dodgy. For example the brakes lines were all braded flex lines front to back. No hard lines were used. If they took short cuts on the brakes then who knows what other corners were cut.?

The mufflers also are solid mounted to the body. That wont make for a pleasant driving experience.

This car was supposed to have been built for a customer but ended up for sale shortly after the build was completed. I recall the builder defending some design choices on FB as customer choices. The customer probably took one look and one drive said keep it.