Skip advert
Advertisement

Thornley Kelham debuts Jaguar XK European restomod

The firm behind the Outlaw Lancia Aurelia has been working on a classic Jaguar XK with tantalising results

Thornley Kelham has already accrued quite a reputation for their restoration work on cars like the Lancia Aurelia Outlaw, so if you’re more into British classics its planned interpretation of the classic Jaguar XK will certainly raise some eyebrows. To be launched under its new ‘European’ series, the Jaguar XK restoration service takes a more sensitive approach than the chopped Lancia, but follows the same modernisation process. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Each unit will be built from an original XK, which was built by Jaguar between 1948 and 1961 in XK120, XK140 and XK150 forms. The basic chassis and powertrain will remain, albeit with a considerable amount of bespoke modifications, but the body is all-new, finding its aesthetic in period but with cleaner detailing and sharper graphics that are only possible with contemporary design and engineering techniques.

The body itself has been designed by Paul Howse, former McLaren designer in part responsible for the 720S and P1. While it might not immediately look different from Jaguar’s original fixed-head coupes, the surfacing has more extreme curvature on its body sides and rear end, taking inspiration from the E-Type Lightweight and period ‘50s racing cars. The bumpers and most of the brightwork have also been removed, further cleaning up the bodywork. 

Inside, some concessions to comfort have been made such as the inclusion of a stereo and air-conditioning, but of far more importance is the work Thornley Kelham has put into modifying the XK’s driving position, significantly lowering the driver’s H-point and repositioning most of the dials to suit.

The 3.4-litre straight-six engine will undergo a thorough overhaul, with a swap over to fuel injection, the cylinders rebored and block reconditioned. Thornley Kelham will also fit a bespoke camshaft, plus a new radiator and oil cooler. All-in, the engine is expected to hit a power figure of around 300bhp, which is a significant jump on the 160-220bhp it made from the factory. 

Power is typically sent to the rear wheels via a rebuilt five-speed manual transmission, but new for the Thornley cars is the fitment of a limited-slip differential – an element that also required the rear suspension to be redesigned in order to accommodate it. The front-end has also been tweaked, and given a new set of coilover suspension pairing Bilstein dampers with Eibach springs. The brakes are also uprated, the original set to be swapped out for a modern set of discs with four-piston calipers at all four corners. 

Thornely Kelham has initiated development of the project with the first commission already locked in. Prices will vary depending on customer specification, but will start at £550,000 not including the cost of the donor car.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Ford Escort Alan Mann 68 Edition 2025 review – the ultimate reborn classic fast Ford?
Ford Escort Alan Mann 68 – front
Reviews

Ford Escort Alan Mann 68 Edition 2025 review – the ultimate reborn classic fast Ford?

The latest product of Boreham Motorworks’ continued restomod work with the Escort is the 795kg Alan Mann 68 Edition. It’s fabulous.
4 May 2025
New Porsche 911 by Singer with a little help from Red Bull and Cosworth
Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe reimagined by Singer – front
News

New Porsche 911 by Singer with a little help from Red Bull and Cosworth

The latest reimagined Porsche 911 to come out of Singer is a G-series wide-body tribute, using Red Bull and Cosworth knowhow
2 May 2025
This 1950s MG is the ultimate sleeper with Porsche 911 GT3 power-to-weight
Frontline MGA Factory Edition
News

This 1950s MG is the ultimate sleeper with Porsche 911 GT3 power-to-weight

UK-based firm Frontline has launched the MGA Factory Edition, giving the 1950s British sports car the performance it deserves
9 Apr 2025
Kalmar 7-97 RS-R Evo 2025 review – part Porsche 911, part Ariel Nomad
Kalmar 7-97 RS-R Evo – front
Reviews

Kalmar 7-97 RS-R Evo 2025 review – part Porsche 911, part Ariel Nomad

Kalmar Automotive’s 7-97 RS-R Evo makes the Porsche 911 Dakar look a bit half-hearted. Is it as fun to drive as it looks?
2 Feb 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Sierra RS500: the anatomy of a BTCC racer
Ford Sierra RS500
Features

Ford Sierra RS500: the anatomy of a BTCC racer

Group A was a golden era in touring car racing, and nothing captured hearts and minds quite like the wild, bewinged Sierra. We look under its skin
11 May 2025
Aston Martin Vantage Roadster 2025 review – the Ferrari Roma Spider's toughest rival
Aston Martin Vantage Roadster front
Reviews

Aston Martin Vantage Roadster 2025 review – the Ferrari Roma Spider's toughest rival

Developed in tandem with the coupe, the new Vantage Roadster has a welcome sense of togetherness for an open-top sports car
11 May 2025
Alpine A110 2025 review – one of the all-time sports car greats will soon be gone
Alpine A110 review
In-depth reviews

Alpine A110 2025 review – one of the all-time sports car greats will soon be gone

The Alpine A110 is not long for this world, with its electric replacement due to arrive in 2027 with much more power (and weight).
9 May 2025