I just received the Practical Performance Car magazine from James Winstanley features editor at the magazine. Its a really great article with plenty of nice pictures. We need more magazines like this on this side of the pond.

 

John,

How are the molds coming along?
I've been thinking about your hood, and I was wondering if you have more photos of it, namely a low-angle side view of it on the car, to see how it looks in profile, and a view of the underside.
Will it be a lightweight, lift-off unit, or, will it be reinforced enough that the hydraulic struts, and stock hood latch can be used?

Thanks.

 

I have to say that the attached sketch is awesome. It looks very close to what I may do with my car. I'll also either use bumperettes, or a simplified version of the front bumper as appeared in early prototypes pics.

 

Forgive me if this has already been mentioned, but do you plan to recreate the front lower panels with an integrated front spoiler as the original had?

 

Spyhunter, are you back from Ecuador permanently?
If so, got any plans to pick back up with the headliner board?

 

No, still here in Otavalo, Ecuador doing missionary work. I do get back to the States a couple times a year for a few weeks, but the most I've been able to do with my headliner during my trips back is move it around in my storage unit when it's in the way of something else I need to grab. We'll be going back to the States for an extended stay, several months to a year, in October 2016, so all will be finished then.

I do love body work, and I'm following this thread with great interest. I've never learned or been taught all of the mechanical intricacies of cars, but I can sculpt and sand with the best of 'em, so Jaguar body kits and possible body modifications are of real interest to me.

It's hard to say which body kit is the "best" to me. The Lister kits are functional and do look nice enough from certain angles to give the car a classy sportiness, but also can make the car look boxy from other angles. The Arden kits are beautiful to me, not too outrageous, and blend well with the car. But as rare as they are, a Group 44 kit has never been offered before, and it's really nice that it's now available as an option. The flares don't pretend to blend in with the car's existing lines, but instead fulfill a functional role and give the car a very muscular look. It's great to have options.

 

John,

Any updates on this project?
Have you made any more progress on producing these pieces, or, developed a pricing structure for individual pieces, as well as a full kit? I know how hard it must be to find time to work on your own project when your business is to maintain and modify other people's cars.

 

Hello guys

My name is David and I'm from Czech Republic (Europe). I'm racing XJ-S TWR replica here in Europe and want to build a replica of Group44 XJ-S (DBRC team | company).
I learned from PPC magazine (08/2015) that a man called John Lyster is able to supply it. Could you help me to locate him? Could it be you SBL Specialities?

Best,

David

 

David,

Welcome to the forum.
That is the correct John. The name of his business is JBL Specialty Automotive in Dulles, Virginia. He now has a website with contact information, but, he doesn't mention anything about Jags on it. The phone number on the website matches the phone number I have for him in my cell phone, so, I know it is correct. I had a long telephone conversation with him in 2015, but, I haven't heard from him since then. He is the man who created the original famous Group44 flares, so he is definitely the man you want to have making the flares for your replica.

Good luck, and, please post photos and details of your replica. I'm sure that I am not the only person here who would like to follow your progress.

 

Just thought I would post some pictures of the flares I have made for two guys overseas. John

 

 

 

Its good to see you posting here again, John

 

Great job John! I'm looking forward to have the parts in my hands.

 

very ice work. the xjs and the tr8 were exceptional looking racers!!!

 

web site and kit price would be nice , or classified ad here would be ok...

 

Hi, i have a jaguar xjs v12, please help me to get arches like the ones on this jag

 

I can be reached by email at jbldulles185@aol.com . Thanks john

 

Hi there, trying to get in contact regarding your guards/moulds on the red xjs. What would be the best way to get in touch to discuss further? Thanks, Greg

 

I too would like to connect with you.