Experts replicate iconic Jaguar concepts
Two concept cars from Jaguar – originally built more than three decades apart – have been accurately recreated by classic car experts, who plan to offer exact reproductions for sale.
The first is the mid-engined XJ13, a possible Le Mans contender built in the 1960s, while the second recreates 1999’s XK180, originally crafted to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the much-loved Jaguar XK120.
Both evocative recreations will be unveiled at the 2016 London Classic Car Show (ExCeL, February 1821) – the first time either will have been seen in public.
The original XJ13 was completed by Jaguar in 1966 and was powered by a prototype quad-cam 5-litre V12 engine. Just one car was completed and it claimed a UK speed record after racing driver David Hobbs lapped the banked MIRA test track at an average speed of more than 161 mph (258km/h). Remarkably, it held the record for 32 years.
It was later badly damaged in a highspeed crash, also at MIRA, but the rebuilt XJ13 – still owned by Jaguar – was re-bodied, and differs in a number of respects from the 1966 original.
Its swooping lines have been replicated before, but the version lovingly built by Building the Legend (www.xj13.eu) is unique because the company’s driving force, Neville Swales, is ensuring his recreation accurately reflects the original car, right down to the last rivet. It will be even be powered by one of the original six prototype quad cam V12 Jaguar engines.
“The project has been supported