Restomod by Thornley Kelham Jaguar XK120 Coupe revealed

A Cotswold-based classic car specialist, Thornley Kelham, has revealed a reimagined version of the Jaguar XK 120 coupe. Called the XK European, the programme takes a derelict donor car as its base with customers able to personally specify their car.

Thornley’s car features a new, all-alloy lightweight body penned by McLaren P1 designer, Paul Howse, that echoes the kind of work applied to the E-type Lightweight. It features a lowered roofline and wider arches and at the rear the tail now sweeps up to create a more teardrop form.

Inside, a completely redesigned dashboard and interior echo the original, but modernised and improved wherever possible. The dials are kept in a similar layout but are surrounded by a body-coloured aluminium dashboard rather than traditional walnut.

KEEP THE WONDER OF THE ORIGINAL, BUT WITH A MODERN DRIVING EXPERIENCE

Electric windows are added, as are electronic gauges and a discreet roll cage, while air-conditioning, power steering and Bluetooth connectivity allowing any number of in-car entertainment options. The 3.8-litre straight-six engine will be thoroughly re-engineered complete with direct injection, a bespoke camshaft and rebored cylinders for either 300bhp or 340bhp. There’s also an upgraded aluminium radiator with an oil cooler, plus louvres in the bonnet and subtly redesigned side vents. Power is then delivered through a modern five-speed manual transmission.

The handling will be enhanced with double wishbones at the front, coilovers comprising tuned Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs. The axle incorporates a limited-slip differential while four-piston vented disc brakes on each wheel will stop the car.

Said Simon Thornley, co-founder of Thornley Kelham, “The Jaguar XK European is, to our eyes, the most beautiful car yet in the restomod sector, backed up with expertise and experience in developing cars that aren’t just perfect in their finish, but thrilling to own and drive.”

Development of the first Jaguar XK built to ‘European’ specification is already underway, with the first commission secured. Numbers will be strictly limited, with prices from £550,000 plus donor car depending on specification.