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Jag Mk.II roars again: Unique twist on classic Jag

BRIDGNORTH, England - A unique Jaguar Mk.II re-designed by Jaguar design director Ian Callum and re-engineered by leading restorers Classic Motor Cars Limited has been unveiled.

The showing was at the restorer's new HQ at Bridgnorth, west of Birmingham in central England, officially opened by motorcycle and Formula 1 champion John Surtees ahead of the unveiling by Jaguar’s legendary test driver Norman Dewis.

The car was redesigned by Callum to suit his own taste and, working with CMC, has several aesthetic and technical modifications. Callum explained that during the 18-month restoration he had added "a number of modern twists to the design".

‘CLARITY THE OBJECTIVE'

Callum said: “This is a very personal statement. A long-held notion that, although the Mk.II has always been a beautiful car, it could be even more exciting in shape and performance.

"While maintaining the purity of the car’s form, I wanted to add a number of modern twists to the design. Simplification and clarity was my objective.”

The car has a tuned 4.3-litre XK engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission, a unique independent rear suspension and upgraded front brakes.

IMAGE GALLERY: Callum's Jaguar Mk.II
VIDEO: Making of Callum's Jaguar Mk.II

Commenting on its specifications, Callum added: “The stance of the car was already excellent but I wished to make it even better. The car’s form is now 30mm lower and sits on 17” split-rim spoked wheels.

"The bumpers are now part of the overall form... it's a fine balance of extracting and adding.

“I have always loved traditional louvres as seen on many older race cars. Four louvres appear on the side of the car to add to that sense of power and ‘something different’. Of course they had to work, so they've been designed in a low-pressure area for a better internal airflow from the modified engine.”

AND IN THE CABIN...

The car has been fitted with Clarion’s NZ502E single DIN multimedia station, 16cm flip-out touchscreen entertainment system. It also has speakers in special housings.

Peter Neumark, CMC's chairman, said: “The wide-ranging list of modifications in the Mk.II shows just how much design and engineering development went into this venture. To be chosen to work with Ian Callum is a testament to the skills and passion that exist within our business andsomething of which CMC is immensely proud.”

The car will make its first public appearance at a Salon Prive over September 3-5 2014 at Syon House in Brentford, near London.

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