Jaguar Mark 2 by Ian Callum revealed (video)

Ian Callum and his ‘new’ Jaguar Mark 2

More than a year ago we reported that Jaguar designer Ian Callum was working with Classic Motor Cars (CMC) to redesign and recreate the perfect Jaguar MK II. And now it’s finished. The finished car has been revealed at the official opening of CMC’s new HQ in Shropshire, and although the updates Callum has made to the Mark 2 may not be to everyone’s taste, they are impressive and the car does look glorious.

Callum wanted to retain the MK II’s classic lines and presence, but set about tidying up some of the fussiness by simplifying the interior – but a modern take on the MK II’s interior – integrating the bumpers in to the bodywork, lowering the suspension and fitting 17″ split-rim spoke wheels and adding a set of traditional – working – louvers on the back edge of the front wings.

The Mark 2 features a modified and uprated 4.3 litre XK engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, upgraded front brakes and unique independent rear suspension.

The suspension has been re-engineered by CMC and now boasts uprated coil springs, roll bar and wishbone bushes, adjustable dampers and solid subframe mountings, uprated rear suspension with uprated coil springs and blade control wishbones, outboard discs, anti-roll bar and adjustable dampers and a bespoke assisted steering rack.

The simplified interior – with red leather and a slide-our Clarion Multimedia station – perfectly compliments the subtle metallic grey exterior, and the whole car just looks – right.

Ian Callum said:

This is a very personal statement. A long held notion that, although the Mark 2 has always been a beautiful car, it could be even more exciting in shape and performance. Whilst maintaining the purity of the car’s form, I wanted to add a number of modern twists to the design. Simplification and clarity was my objective.

We think he succeeded. Ian Callum’s Jaguar Mark 2 is a real object of desire.

By Cars UK