Thonley Kelham has accomplished its first XK120 restomod
Thonley Kelham employed a former McLaren designer to pen a brand new physique for the XK120 restomod
The XK120 restomod sticks with the unique XK engine however the peak output has been elevated
The concept of restomodding a Jaguar XK120 could appear sacrilegious, however Thornley Kelham has managed to ship an instance that pays respect to the unique whereas on the similar time respiration new life into it.
Thornley Kelham is a British firm that focuses on restorations, sometimes for traditional European vehicles. It has additionally expanded into the restomodding enterprise for vehicles just like the Porsche 356, Porsche 911, and Lancia Aurelia, and now we are able to add the Jaguar XK120 to the record.
Thornley Kelham first previewed its XK120 restomod, often known as the XK European, in 2022. The primary instance has now been accomplished, and in line with Piston Heads took round 2,000 hours to finish.
Clients can provide their very own XK120 or Thornley Kelham can supply one. The corporate prefers to supply examples thought of to be rust buckets, as nearly each aspect of the automobile finally ends up being changed within the restomod.
Jaguar XK European by Thornley Kelham
The physique for instance is constructed from scratch utilizing light-weight alloys. There are dimensional adjustments, too, penned by former McLaren designer Paul Howse. The adjustments are delicate however give the XK120 a wider, extra muscular look. The roof can also be round 2.5 inches decrease.
The powertrain and chassis are additionally overhauled to up the efficiency. The XK 3.8-liter inline-6 is labored over to ship 300 or 340 hp, relying on the specification, which is up from the 160-220 hp the engine initially delivered within the XK120. Among the upgrades embody a brand new camshaft, rebored cylinders, and a direct gas injection system.
For the chassis, the suspension has been reconfigured and contains double wishbones, together with Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs. The wheels are a 16-inch set and home trendy disc brakes. One other trendy security characteristic are the headlights which characteristic LEDs for improved visibility at evening.
Jaguar XK European by Thornley Kelham
Inside, Thornley Kelham has put in a hidden roll cage and lined a lot of the surfaces with Connolly leather-based. Customized bucket seats are put in and may be fitted with four-point harnesses as a no-cost choice. Trendy touches embody air-con, electrical home windows, energy steering, a wi-fi cellphone charger, and an infotainment system. The gauges are unique however their inside workings have been renewed.
Thornley Kelham plans to construct simply 25 examples in complete. The corporate has beforehand introduced a beginning worth of 550,000 British kilos (roughly $725,000), not together with the price of the donor automobile.
