Highlights
- Utterly unique restomod based using the drivetrain of a 4.0-litre supercharged XJR
- Built by one supremely talented individual over seven years of evenings and weekends
- Modern interior with air conditioning, cruise control, airbags, a reversing camera and double-DIN infotainment/satnav
- Used extensively since completion for over a decade on track days, hill climbs, drag racing and even to tow a caravan
- Very well-known in Jaguar enthusiast circles
- MOT until 10th September 2025
The Appeal
Thank goodness for engineers in sheds.
Every once in a while, we come across a vehicle that’s entirely unique - a one-off custom creation dreamed up and realised by a very clever and talented individual. In this case, it’s time to shine the spotlight on the late Neil Blaxill who masterminded and single-handedly built this simply amazing Jaguar.
Neil purchased this Mk2 as a stalled project. The previous owner had tried to make a supercharged V8 work with the original 1960s running gear but this was found to be impossible. So Neil tried something quite different, deciding to build the ultimate Mk2 by using not just the XJR’s engine but also its gearbox, suspension and brakes and full electrical system. The result is a Mk2 that has every modern convenience of an XJR, even down to the cruise control, airbags, ABS and the anti-burst door locks controlled by the onboard computer system. It took Neil seven years of evenings and weekends to build, using brand new XJR body shell from Black Country Jaguars, shortening the floor pan by eighteen inches to accept the Mk2 shell.
It’s since been driven extensively by Neil for over ten years, covering more than 30,000 miles. It attended track days, hill climbs, drag racing events and even towed his caravan to Silverstone! He used the Jaguar as his everyday car and it is well-known in the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club.
If you’re looking for the ultimate Mk2 restomod, it’s your lucky day.
The History and Paperwork
- Detailed photographic record of the build process accompanies the car
- MOT
- V5C present
- Registered as a ‘1963 Jaguar 3.8’ - the DVLA acknowledges the engine upgrade to 3,996cc
- We’re informed that Neil Blaxill used the car for over ten years, covering more than 30,000 miles
- Sadly, Neil passed away around eighteen months ago and the car has not been used since then, although it has been dry-stored and started regularly
- Offered by the Blaxill family
- MOT until 10th September 2025 with just one advisory for tyre wear
The Condition
- Finished to an exemplary standard inside and out
- Practically every part is sourced from a Jaguar besides the MINI door mirrors
- Comes with spare paint and some of the interior leather for any future repair/changes
- The car has been used, so there are some small paint blemishes to note which Neil had planned to rectify shortly before he died
- The modern XJR-derived interior presents beautifully and everything seems to work
- Incorporates airbags, air conditioning, a reversing camera and Pioneer double-DIN infotainment/satnav unit
Besides the blistered arches and oversized wheels, there isn’t a great deal externally to distinguish this car from an unmodified Mk2. That’s what makes this resto-mod really clever. Neil was able to retain the original bodyshell without compromising William Lyons’ sleek lines. As the photographic record of the build shows, Neil acquired a brand new XJR shell from Black Country Jaguars and then proceeded to remove all the outer panels then shorten the floorpan 18 inches. He didn’t want to use a second-hand car for this purpose as he wanted the underpinnings of his car to be in perfect, new condition.
As you open one of the doors, you find an XJR interior which has been cleverly reworked to fit inside the Mk2’s comparatively small passenger compartment. This means it retains all the modern conveniences of an XJR without the onboard computer bringing up any fault codes. This is no mean feat, and Neil explained at the time how he even used the XJR’s complex electronic door-locking mechanisms with the 1960s Mk2 door. Incredible. There are even hidden electrics for towing, as well as a removable tow bar the vendor aims to locate for the next keeper. Although the photos give the impression rear legroom is non existent - the vendor has noted that the seats were moved all the way back after the car was valeted, and passengers can happily ride in the back!
Neil did everything himself including paint, woodwork and trimming and the results are a testament to his immense skill. The car has been dry-stored and remains in very good condition throughout with minimal signs of wear. The vendor notes some cracking in the filler where the car has settled over time. These areas are offside front wheel arch and around the original fuel flap which Neil welded up having placed the fuel filler in a different location. As we mentioned above, there is some spare paint and leather with the car and these are reportedly in good, usable condition.
The Mechanics
- 4.0-litre supercharged V8
- Five-speed automatic gearbox
- XJR suspension, braking systems and running gear retained
- ABS and cruise control in full working order
- C.1,400 kg
The unfortunate reality of many restomods is that the antiquated car they’re based on simply can’t cope with the power that’s been crammed under the bonnet. That’s not the case here.
Underneath, this Mk2 sports the underpinnings of the very car that was specifically designed to use this engine and gearbox combination. That means it drives exceedingly well, retaining the stability and safety systems of an XJR.
While it’s not been driven during the last eighteen months, the engine has been started and run regularly and the vendor is not aware of any apparent faults. They do recommend a thorough service prior to resuming road use, but the Jaguar has passed MOT with only one advisory for tyre wear.
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