Highlights
- Utterly unique
- Private registration included
- Professionally built
- Displayed at Goodwood
The Appeal
At the 1998 Paris Motor Show, Jaguar revealed the XK180 concept car – their present to themselves to celebrate 50 years of the XK line of cars.
Of course, it was never intended for production.
Of course, it was never intended for production.
Nevertheless, a few recreations were built, and this is one of the nicest you’ll find. Based on a 1990 XJ-S, it’s been professionally built by a Jaguar restoration company and therefore is very well finished.
If you’re after something the like of which you’ll probably never see again, step this way.
If you’re after something the like of which you’ll probably never see again, step this way.
The History and Paperwork
- Donor vehicle was a 1990 3.6-litre XJ-S
- XK180 Evocation bodyshell by Banham
- Built in 2009 by vendor’s Jaguar restoration company
- Last recorded mileage of donor vehicle: 105,953 miles
- New instrument binnacle installed during build
- Displayed at shows and events including Goodwood
- Dry stored and never driven on the road
- No current MOT; the seller tells us that it may need some minor work to obtain a pass
- Selling as the vendor wishes to shrink their collection
The Interior
- Mint and cream upholstery
- Unique dashboard and instruments
- Fixed bucket seats and 4-point harnesses
With its distinctive mint and cream upholstery, silver inserts and complementary mint green carpets, the cabin of this vehicle is certainly memorable and highly bespoke.
A unique dash has been constructed to house the instruments, and the only recognisable elements of the donor car in here are the steering wheel and the gear shifter.
A unique dash has been constructed to house the instruments, and the only recognisable elements of the donor car in here are the steering wheel and the gear shifter.
In general the upholstery and carpets are in good condition, with no notable marks or damage to the seats or carpet. The dash also presents well, with just some material splitting around the hazard light and headlight switches.
Those deeply sculpted buckets are complemented by full 4-point racing harnesses, making sure occupants of this eye-catching roadster remain safe and secure.
The Exterior
- Gorgeous ‘speedster’ bodywork
- Blue paintwork
- 20” five-spoke split-rim alloys
Echoing as closely as possible the swooping lines and muscular haunches of Jaguar’s concept car, this XK180 Evocation benefits from a high quality set of Banham GRP panels.
Not only are they well finished and professionally fitted, but they are significantly lighter than the original XJ-S bodywork, offering a significant upgrade in the car’s power-to-weight ratio.
Not only are they well finished and professionally fitted, but they are significantly lighter than the original XJ-S bodywork, offering a significant upgrade in the car’s power-to-weight ratio.
Of course, some weight has been put back in, as the vendor tells us that the car has been “significantly strengthened” to accommodate for the loss of the roof.
The paint looks to have been very well applied and finished, still wearing a lovely sheen and with no signs of damage, cracking or notable wear. Unsurprising really, as the car has been dry-stored and only brought out for shows and events.
Adding a dash of motorsport flamboyance to proceedings, the twin speed humps on the rear deck and wide rear spoiler match the looks of the show car perfectly and look fantastic.
Also installed are a couple of rollover hoops, a practical addition for a sports car with no roof. It should be noted that this is a genuine speedster - there is no fabric roof or removable hardtop.
Also installed are a couple of rollover hoops, a practical addition for a sports car with no roof. It should be noted that this is a genuine speedster - there is no fabric roof or removable hardtop.
The wheels are huge 20” 5-spoke split-rims shod with low profile Pirelli P-Zero tyres. Presenting in fine condition, the wheels nicely complement the car and properly fill those deep arches. Similarly, the tyres look to have plenty of tread.
Underneath, the vehicle appears to be in exceptional condition, looking straight and true with no evidence we could discern of damage or corrosion.
The Mechanics
- 3,590cc inline-six
- Manual 5-speed transmission
Lifting the huge clamshell front end, you’re presented with the venerable Jaguar AJ6 3.6-litre inline-six.
It’s a great engine, renowned for smooth performance and reliability. Other than the addition of a performance air filter, it is presented here in standard form. The engine bay is very clean and tidy, showing no signs of leaks, overheating or any mechanical issues.
It’s a great engine, renowned for smooth performance and reliability. Other than the addition of a performance air filter, it is presented here in standard form. The engine bay is very clean and tidy, showing no signs of leaks, overheating or any mechanical issues.
The gearbox is Jaguar’s manual 5-speed, a great choice for this car as it gives so much more engagement than the far more common automatic transmission.
The vendor tells us that all mechanical components of the car, other than the engine and gearbox, have been fully reconditioned during the build. We are also informed that the car drives just as it should, with no untoward noises, vibrations, leaks or smoke.
Summary
As petrolheads, we all love a rare machine. Well, they don’t come much rarer than this – it’s a genuine one off.
The fact that it’s been built and maintained by a professional Jaguar restoration company just makes it an even more appealing proposition.
The fact that it’s been built and maintained by a professional Jaguar restoration company just makes it an even more appealing proposition.
If you’re after something fun for the weekends, a rarity to take to shows, or even a one of a kind track car, we think this lovely XK180 Evocation has a lot of potential.
Notice to bidders
All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
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