Highly attractive ‘Special’, designed by Rick Stevens
Modified with an aluminium bonnet, nose cone and Jaguar grille
3.8L engine with triple Dellorto carbs and 5-speed Gedtrag gearbox
Previously owned by Simon Taylor, former head of Haymarket
The Appeal
A highly eccentric Sportster, the Kougar was from the mind of Rick Stevens, the esteemed racing driver and engineering mastermind. It wasn’t a replica, or even a simple reconstruction. No, the Kougar was a kit car that took inspiration from decades of vintage racing. The result was a very British iteration of a hot rod.
This particular example - build No.42 - was reportedly completed by Rick Stevens himself with a handmade, aluminium nose cone, grille and polished cycle wings, evoking the golden age of the 1950s ‘rocket’ racers.
Having previously owned by Simon Taylor - former head of Haymarket and Editor for Classic and Sports Car Magazine - the car’s current owner has taken it to the JDC Four Hills and Sprint Championship; it’s thus fitted with an MSA-Certified roll-bar.
It’s a simply exceptional custom - with a simply exceptional history.
The History and Paperwork
First registered in January 1982
The car was originally red, and repainted in 1988 to its current grey
In current ownership since 2015
Indicates 04,399 miles on a five-figure odometer
Sadly this can’t be authenticated as the car’s authentic mileage
MOT exempt, but last tested only 99 miles ago in 2021 with zero advisories
Car comes with:
Roll cage guide and invoice
Some printed correspondence confirming previous ownership
Impressive steel dashboard with period-style instruments
Fitted with racing seats, belts, roll cage and fire extinguisher
Trim replaced in 2014/2015
Beautifully presented, this Kougar’s interior is in great order, with racing seats, belts and roll-cage betraying its career on the circuit. The open-top cabin is highly presented, and very attractive. The dashboard is nicely presented with an array of nicely-kept instruments.
All of the instruments are reportedly working well, with the only fault we can spot is a somewhat mis-rotated RPM dial and clock. There’s a pleasing patina across the dashboard and chromework, but nothing to detract from the car’s overall appearance.
The seats and trim are clean and nicely kept, with no rips or tears, and the carpets look to be in good order. The entire array is beautifully finished with a wire-spoked, black-rimmed steering wheel.
The Exterior
Attractive silver-grey paintwork with red contrasting wheels
Modified with an aluminium bonnet and nose-cone, complete with Jaguar grille
Plenty of racing stickers showing the car’s impressive circuit career
Wrap-around screen supplied if needed for the road
With its period appearance, exposed side-mounted exhaust and highly presented, modified nose-cone and wings, this Silver-Grey roadster is an exceptional looker, fusing modernity with a beguiling vintage feel.
With only light signs of wear - the signature of a successful racing circuit - the car is still in utterly fine fettle. There’s the odd mark or chip, but it’s seriously minor, and offers no detraction from the car’s overall appearance.
The car’s chromework and stainless steel exhaust are nicely presented - the latter carrying a working patina that only increases the car’s beguiling hot-rod persona.
Peppered in racing stickers and tags, marking the car’s exceptional career, this Kouger really is an exceptional looker. It’s standing on nicely kept red spoked wheels, and shod in a full set of Avon CZ66 tyres.
Underneath, the car looks simply superb - with only a few chips and scratches. The car’s suspension and frame look to be in fine fettle, with no issues to highlight.
The Mechanics
Powered by a 3.8L XK Jaguar powerplant
Tripple Dellorto carburettors
5-speed Getrag manual transmission
Jaguar rear axle with LSD
Limited-Slip Differential recently overhauled
Beautifully presented, this engine bay is a very highly presented one. It’s clean, nicely kept and betrays the car’s Jaguar’s heritage with a highly impressive six-cylinder engine, which is in simply superb order.
We’ve no reports of leaks, knocks, bangs or smoke - and the owner is happy to confirm it’s starting easily, and maintains a good oil pressure. With the car regularly kept serviced and ready for both track and road, it’s little wonder that it seems to be an exceptional performer.
Summary
An exceptional example of the Kougar from top to bottom, with an impressive heritage, this car should raise plenty of attention.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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