XKR "restomod" - not one for the purists
Discussion
I have just spent a lot of time, money and effort on creating my perfect 911 restomod - and having now finished it I have decided it isn't what I really want. There are a few reasons too boring to go into but it probably boils down to it feeling too much like a classic car rather than a usable mode of transport.
So, got to thinking about alternatives, I have had a 997 and that was nice but didn't really stand out. What I am looking for is a car that looks cool but is also usable, not daily but several times a week and capable of the odd longer distance trip without it feeling like a mission that I might return from on the back of an AA lorry.
I had an XK8 (X100) convertible when they were fairly new. I liked that it had a nod to classic Jags but didn't like the autobox at all or the interior very much.
I think the X100 has aged well and arguably now looks better as a modern classic than it did at the time it was new. Prices are still VFM so a nice XKR coupe with not silly miles is in budget and leaves some money to do some stuff to it.
The point of this wittering is whether people think the X100 is candidate for a 'restomod' project and if so what would you do to it?
Ideally I would start with a manual conversion, although have done some initial costing and costs are pretty hefty (8-12K plus VAT).
I think there is quite a lot of scope to improve the interior, maybe something based more on the etype style dash.
I wouldn't do much with the engine, but maybe look into a firmer handling package as my old one was a bit of a barge.
I know that a lot of people will say leave it original, and I get that, but I enjoy the process of personalising my cars so that isn't my thing.
Any thoughts or ideas?
So, got to thinking about alternatives, I have had a 997 and that was nice but didn't really stand out. What I am looking for is a car that looks cool but is also usable, not daily but several times a week and capable of the odd longer distance trip without it feeling like a mission that I might return from on the back of an AA lorry.
I had an XK8 (X100) convertible when they were fairly new. I liked that it had a nod to classic Jags but didn't like the autobox at all or the interior very much.
I think the X100 has aged well and arguably now looks better as a modern classic than it did at the time it was new. Prices are still VFM so a nice XKR coupe with not silly miles is in budget and leaves some money to do some stuff to it.
The point of this wittering is whether people think the X100 is candidate for a 'restomod' project and if so what would you do to it?
Ideally I would start with a manual conversion, although have done some initial costing and costs are pretty hefty (8-12K plus VAT).
I think there is quite a lot of scope to improve the interior, maybe something based more on the etype style dash.
I wouldn't do much with the engine, but maybe look into a firmer handling package as my old one was a bit of a barge.
I know that a lot of people will say leave it original, and I get that, but I enjoy the process of personalising my cars so that isn't my thing.
Any thoughts or ideas?
Happy to add a thought or two. See my XKR to Tokyo thread, I inherited a frankly shagged but still rescueable X100 and had similar thoughts. They would be a great platform for personalisation.
In the end I didn’t; I was working to a budget, albeit more than the car will ever be worth, and oriented more towards an interesting family daily driver rather than something bespoke.
That said, the thoughts I did kick around were;
1. An XKR-R conversion. So manual gearbox and suitably revised suspension (springs, damping, bushes, etc). I didn’t simply as it was going to be a daily driver in a big city and because the original gearbox was still ok. We did replace the entire suspension but only to original. The XKR-R was well received at the time and unlocked what is still a very good engine with a lot of real world performance and reach. Had we discovered the gearbox was shagged I would totally have considered it. More sporting vs touring springing and damping is easily possible too. The shell was relatively rigid for the time and controls (steering especially) were geared towards comfort vs performance, but I have no doubt were it to interest you, you could turn it into a reasonably sharp steer, again a la XKR-R, in context of its size and weight.
2. Exhaust. I wanted a bit more noise than the original near silent set-up. Nothing bling or obtrusive, simply something to confirm there is a V8 beneath the supercharger whine. I didn’t because I was importing to Japan and didn’t want anything non-standard, but I may address that soon enough.
3. Interior. I kept it all standard, and aside of the retro dash it is bobbins both functionally and style-wise. I am sure you could replace the fascia wood etc with say a dark carbon or light turned metal both of which could be interesting alternates. I thought about retrimming what I had in better quality leather and / or sourcing the rarer Recaro seats. In both cases I kept as is because a) it was in good nick and b) I have a toddler in tow. Were none of the above needed indeed I would have considered XKR-R thinking such as 2+0 layout and / or fixed back buckets in lieu of standard.
Beyond the above I’m not sure what scope there really is. I wouldn’t touch the exterior or wheels beyond returning to original perfect. The engine can accommodate more power (e.g. via supercharger pulley) but what it has feels adequate given the overall demeanour and purpose of the car.
In the end I didn’t; I was working to a budget, albeit more than the car will ever be worth, and oriented more towards an interesting family daily driver rather than something bespoke.
That said, the thoughts I did kick around were;
1. An XKR-R conversion. So manual gearbox and suitably revised suspension (springs, damping, bushes, etc). I didn’t simply as it was going to be a daily driver in a big city and because the original gearbox was still ok. We did replace the entire suspension but only to original. The XKR-R was well received at the time and unlocked what is still a very good engine with a lot of real world performance and reach. Had we discovered the gearbox was shagged I would totally have considered it. More sporting vs touring springing and damping is easily possible too. The shell was relatively rigid for the time and controls (steering especially) were geared towards comfort vs performance, but I have no doubt were it to interest you, you could turn it into a reasonably sharp steer, again a la XKR-R, in context of its size and weight.
2. Exhaust. I wanted a bit more noise than the original near silent set-up. Nothing bling or obtrusive, simply something to confirm there is a V8 beneath the supercharger whine. I didn’t because I was importing to Japan and didn’t want anything non-standard, but I may address that soon enough.
3. Interior. I kept it all standard, and aside of the retro dash it is bobbins both functionally and style-wise. I am sure you could replace the fascia wood etc with say a dark carbon or light turned metal both of which could be interesting alternates. I thought about retrimming what I had in better quality leather and / or sourcing the rarer Recaro seats. In both cases I kept as is because a) it was in good nick and b) I have a toddler in tow. Were none of the above needed indeed I would have considered XKR-R thinking such as 2+0 layout and / or fixed back buckets in lieu of standard.
Beyond the above I’m not sure what scope there really is. I wouldn’t touch the exterior or wheels beyond returning to original perfect. The engine can accommodate more power (e.g. via supercharger pulley) but what it has feels adequate given the overall demeanour and purpose of the car.
Edited by mabbott on Tuesday 2nd May 09:40
Thanks for the reply, I just read your other thread - nice story about bringing your dad's car back, I am glad it has been a success!
On the exterior I was thinking maybe XK180 style rear lights (there is a round LED upgrade for the Elise that may work), and an exposed filler cap. Maybe also a different set of wheels (I like the ones on the Speedback GT which is essentially an X150 in drag).
On interior - the rear seats are useless so maybe a parcel shelf, or even better if it is possible to go through into the boot and make a flat floor with runners like the e-type coupe (although I expect there may be structural cross members in the way). The X150 sports seats could also be a good upgrade.
Dash could be updated with a slightly larger screen than the later cars with carplay, centre part of the dash in textured aluminium, other sides of the dash in piano black or even crinkle black finish. Not sure you could do much with the steering wheel other than a a full leather option to dial down the wood.
I think it could be a really cool thing - just not sure that after all that effort it would get boring with the auto - and swapping to manual is too big a job in reality.
On the exterior I was thinking maybe XK180 style rear lights (there is a round LED upgrade for the Elise that may work), and an exposed filler cap. Maybe also a different set of wheels (I like the ones on the Speedback GT which is essentially an X150 in drag).
On interior - the rear seats are useless so maybe a parcel shelf, or even better if it is possible to go through into the boot and make a flat floor with runners like the e-type coupe (although I expect there may be structural cross members in the way). The X150 sports seats could also be a good upgrade.
Dash could be updated with a slightly larger screen than the later cars with carplay, centre part of the dash in textured aluminium, other sides of the dash in piano black or even crinkle black finish. Not sure you could do much with the steering wheel other than a a full leather option to dial down the wood.
I think it could be a really cool thing - just not sure that after all that effort it would get boring with the auto - and swapping to manual is too big a job in reality.
SCO,
I'm a firm believer in making a car exactly what you want it to be without worrying about what other people think. I have done it on several of my cars. I don't buy cars worrying about their future values, I buy them for me to enjoy. When I'm dead and gone, if the next owner or my heirs want to return them to stock, good for them. Having said that, I own both an X100 XKR (2002) and an X150 XKR (2010). My 2002 XKR which was my daily driver until i bought the 2010, was completely stock. In 55 years of driving and owning cars, I've never had an automobile garner as many compliments as it did. Every time I drove it, which was everyday, I would get stopped by people wanting to talk about it. My 2010 XKR, right after I bought it, I decided that I wanted to change its looks a bit. I wanted it to look like an XKR75 with the side skirt extensions, the front splitter, etc., and I loved a rear bumper/splitter made by F/X Designs that I added. Now at 199,000 miles, it is still my daily driver, the best automobile I've ever owned, and will never leave my possession, until I can no longer drive. I have also a 1972 De Tomaso Pantera that after 18 years of suffering the inability to drive it without issues, I finally modified and restored it over a 4 year period to make it the car it always should have been from the beginning, and now I drive it every single week. Customize it to your heart's content, and the price of admission to X100 XKR ownership is certainly cheap enough. Just don't make the mistake of driving an X150 5.0L car, you'll not be able to go back to the X100. In the 10 years I've owned my 2010 XKR, I can count on 3 fingers how many times I've driven the X100, the difference is so astonishing. Have a wonderful time if you choose to do it. Make it your own!
I'm a firm believer in making a car exactly what you want it to be without worrying about what other people think. I have done it on several of my cars. I don't buy cars worrying about their future values, I buy them for me to enjoy. When I'm dead and gone, if the next owner or my heirs want to return them to stock, good for them. Having said that, I own both an X100 XKR (2002) and an X150 XKR (2010). My 2002 XKR which was my daily driver until i bought the 2010, was completely stock. In 55 years of driving and owning cars, I've never had an automobile garner as many compliments as it did. Every time I drove it, which was everyday, I would get stopped by people wanting to talk about it. My 2010 XKR, right after I bought it, I decided that I wanted to change its looks a bit. I wanted it to look like an XKR75 with the side skirt extensions, the front splitter, etc., and I loved a rear bumper/splitter made by F/X Designs that I added. Now at 199,000 miles, it is still my daily driver, the best automobile I've ever owned, and will never leave my possession, until I can no longer drive. I have also a 1972 De Tomaso Pantera that after 18 years of suffering the inability to drive it without issues, I finally modified and restored it over a 4 year period to make it the car it always should have been from the beginning, and now I drive it every single week. Customize it to your heart's content, and the price of admission to X100 XKR ownership is certainly cheap enough. Just don't make the mistake of driving an X150 5.0L car, you'll not be able to go back to the X100. In the 10 years I've owned my 2010 XKR, I can count on 3 fingers how many times I've driven the X100, the difference is so astonishing. Have a wonderful time if you choose to do it. Make it your own!
SCO,
My 2p for what little it is worth.
I’ve owned a couple of Jaguars over the years. A late model V12 XJS and I currently own a X350 XJ V6, (a fantastic car), so I feel that I ‘get’ Jaguars.
I have driven a XK before, although only briefly. Whilst it felt like a notable improvement upon the XJS, to me, it didn’t feel light years ahead. Still a nice car though IMO.
If it were me that had been set the brief of improving an early XK, my process would be the following;
1) Sort out any current and potential rust issues.
2) Go through the wiring and electrics with a fine tooth comb.
3) Manual conversion? Yes, although I’m a little surprised at the figures quoted. I’d have expected it to be a bit less than that.
4) Engine. I’m sure that there’s some improvements that can be made there without going too silly. Cam and breathing perhaps?
5) The suspension is certainly one area where things can be firmed up a bit. I wonder if there’s a way in which to make the XJ’s CATS air suspension work on a XK? For me the ride and handing on a XJ is utterly sublime. If not, the fully polybushed with slightly firmer springs and dampers.
6) The interior could definitely do with a degree of modernisation. There’s likely to be some weight savings to be had there as well. What you do with the interior and the exterior is purely a matter of personal taste and preference.
It certainly look forward to seeing the finished results and if possible a build thread whilst the work is in progress?
My 2p for what little it is worth.
I’ve owned a couple of Jaguars over the years. A late model V12 XJS and I currently own a X350 XJ V6, (a fantastic car), so I feel that I ‘get’ Jaguars.
I have driven a XK before, although only briefly. Whilst it felt like a notable improvement upon the XJS, to me, it didn’t feel light years ahead. Still a nice car though IMO.
If it were me that had been set the brief of improving an early XK, my process would be the following;
1) Sort out any current and potential rust issues.
2) Go through the wiring and electrics with a fine tooth comb.
3) Manual conversion? Yes, although I’m a little surprised at the figures quoted. I’d have expected it to be a bit less than that.
4) Engine. I’m sure that there’s some improvements that can be made there without going too silly. Cam and breathing perhaps?
5) The suspension is certainly one area where things can be firmed up a bit. I wonder if there’s a way in which to make the XJ’s CATS air suspension work on a XK? For me the ride and handing on a XJ is utterly sublime. If not, the fully polybushed with slightly firmer springs and dampers.
6) The interior could definitely do with a degree of modernisation. There’s likely to be some weight savings to be had there as well. What you do with the interior and the exterior is purely a matter of personal taste and preference.
It certainly look forward to seeing the finished results and if possible a build thread whilst the work is in progress?
Personally, I'm very much a purist, but if I were to put myself in the mind of someone who is not, I'd probably do the following things:
Update the nav screen to be an android/carplay compatible item
Update the gearbox to the newer 8 speed ZF box
Fit a limited slip diff
Fit a slightly less mute exhaust so that lovely V8 is more apparent (not AMG loud, more the level of the X150)
The rest of the car I'd just replace worn or old bushes, dampers and springs, and generally renew what was original.
Update the nav screen to be an android/carplay compatible item
Update the gearbox to the newer 8 speed ZF box
Fit a limited slip diff
Fit a slightly less mute exhaust so that lovely V8 is more apparent (not AMG loud, more the level of the X150)
The rest of the car I'd just replace worn or old bushes, dampers and springs, and generally renew what was original.
SCO said:
The point of this wittering is whether people think the X100 is candidate for a 'restomod' project and if so what would you do to it?
Ideally I would start with a manual conversion, although have done some initial costing and costs are pretty hefty (8-12K plus VAT).
I think there is quite a lot of scope to improve the interior, maybe something based more on the etype style dash.
I wouldn't do much with the engine, but maybe look into a firmer handling package as my old one was a bit of a barge.
I know that a lot of people will say leave it original, and I get that, but I enjoy the process of personalising my cars so that isn't my thing.
Any thoughts or ideas?
For me the weakest part of the X100 is the rear. The front is nice, I like the 'proper Jag' interior, it's just the back end that doesn't work.Ideally I would start with a manual conversion, although have done some initial costing and costs are pretty hefty (8-12K plus VAT).
I think there is quite a lot of scope to improve the interior, maybe something based more on the etype style dash.
I wouldn't do much with the engine, but maybe look into a firmer handling package as my old one was a bit of a barge.
I know that a lot of people will say leave it original, and I get that, but I enjoy the process of personalising my cars so that isn't my thing.
Any thoughts or ideas?
However, seeing as you mentioned it, I'd have the Speedback GT in my fantasy garage - one's just sold for a mere £275K: https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/2015-6-david-b... Also there would be a Lynx E-Type, XK180 and R-Coupe.
If resale value isn't an issue, do what you like
Thanks for all the replies, plenty of food for thought.
@tberg - great that you have enjoyed the XK's so much, not sure they would get so much attention this side of the pond, particularly as I am about 20 miles from Coventry! But good to see they went to a good home. The x100 is definitely the one I want to start with as the looks are more classic to my eye§. I am seeing this as a usable classic rather than a modern car.
@105.4 - get where you are coming from and those are sensible options. I suppose that I also want something a bit visual to make the car look different (hopefully in a good way). The manual conversion is quite involved apparently and needs ECU updates and other stuff to do it properly.
@vsix and vtech - again sensible suggestions, but under the skin and I think a successful restomod has to make subtle changes to the exterior to make people do a double take.
@simpo two - I agree 100% on the rear, both coupe and convertible - the overhang is too much (golf clubs have a lot to answer for). I saw the Speedback sell on collecting cars - I think that is a 300K hit in depreciation from new. Gulp. Funny you should mention a Lynx GT because another option is to maybe get a tired series 2 e-type and get a subtle wide body made for it. Probably not low drag but a bit like the Eagle cars. It is similar to what I have had done on my recent 911 project, you end up with a very pretty car but not that usable.
These guys make Dunlop style slotted alloys in a range of sizes (some with fake spinners) that could be a bit radical: https://www.imagewheels.co.uk/billet-46-alloy-whee...
One other thought I had was to get a convertible and then have an e-type style hard top made. There were a couple of after market hard tops I have found but not very elegant. I don't like the one below, but it shows how a hard top would sit with the car.
|https://thumbsnap.com/qygBTdNJ
@tberg - great that you have enjoyed the XK's so much, not sure they would get so much attention this side of the pond, particularly as I am about 20 miles from Coventry! But good to see they went to a good home. The x100 is definitely the one I want to start with as the looks are more classic to my eye§. I am seeing this as a usable classic rather than a modern car.
@105.4 - get where you are coming from and those are sensible options. I suppose that I also want something a bit visual to make the car look different (hopefully in a good way). The manual conversion is quite involved apparently and needs ECU updates and other stuff to do it properly.
@vsix and vtech - again sensible suggestions, but under the skin and I think a successful restomod has to make subtle changes to the exterior to make people do a double take.
@simpo two - I agree 100% on the rear, both coupe and convertible - the overhang is too much (golf clubs have a lot to answer for). I saw the Speedback sell on collecting cars - I think that is a 300K hit in depreciation from new. Gulp. Funny you should mention a Lynx GT because another option is to maybe get a tired series 2 e-type and get a subtle wide body made for it. Probably not low drag but a bit like the Eagle cars. It is similar to what I have had done on my recent 911 project, you end up with a very pretty car but not that usable.
These guys make Dunlop style slotted alloys in a range of sizes (some with fake spinners) that could be a bit radical: https://www.imagewheels.co.uk/billet-46-alloy-whee...
One other thought I had was to get a convertible and then have an e-type style hard top made. There were a couple of after market hard tops I have found but not very elegant. I don't like the one below, but it shows how a hard top would sit with the car.
|https://thumbsnap.com/qygBTdNJSCO said:
@simpo two - I agree 100% on the rear, both coupe and convertible - the overhang is too much (golf clubs have a lot to answer for). I saw the Speedback sell on collecting cars - I think that is a 300K hit in depreciation from new. Gulp. Funny you should mention a Lynx GT because another option is to maybe get a tired series 2 e-type and get a subtle wide body made for it. Probably not low drag but a bit like the Eagle cars.
Hah yes I meant the Eagle Speedster, sorry. And I'll just sneak an XK13 in too please: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMP7fW7tj3w&ab... I think Jaguar made more beautiful designs than anyone else, though sadly some of them never happened and the current offerings leave my wallet firmly shut.SCO said:
Thanks for all the replies, plenty of food for thought.
These guys make Dunlop style slotted alloys in a range of sizes (some with fake spinners) that could be a bit radical: https://www.imagewheels.co.uk/billet-46-alloy-whee...
You’re a very bad man posting up that link.These guys make Dunlop style slotted alloys in a range of sizes (some with fake spinners) that could be a bit radical: https://www.imagewheels.co.uk/billet-46-alloy-whee...
What the hell are you trying to do? Get me divorced?
Gassing Station | Jaguar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff