XJC430

There are few cars more imposing, more refined, and more infused with automotive gravitas than a classic Jaguar, with those produced by Coventry in the early to mid ’70s among the most commanding of all. That being said, while big cats from this particular decade might have looked and sounded the part (and gone like the proverbial clappers) they were never exactly known for their reliability or corrosion resistance.

All of the above was at the forefront of our minds when we were asked to build a very special Jaguar XJC for one of our customers. The brief was as simple as it was in keeping with the character of the car: to build a fast, reliable, and comfortable XJ, capable of wafting its owner across high miles on a near-daily basis, all underpinned by William Lyons’ classic trio of “grace, pace, and space.”

Stripping Back to a Clean Slate

Those who have followed the kind of work we do at Retropower will know that every project begins with a complete strip-down and careful assessment, followed by media blasting. This allows us to pinpoint any areas of concern hidden within the shell, effectively allowing us to guarantee we are working from a clean, rot-free foundation.

It was a good thing we did. While we’ve certainly encountered less structurally sound cars, this particular XJC was nevertheless hiding some metal-related sins, with the base of the B-pillars and rear arches all showing signs of decay – though arguably that’s part and parcel of restoring a big Jag from this era!

A solid session of metalwork and custom fabrication followed, addressing all areas of bodywork concern while also introducing the custom touches that have become something of a Retropower hallmark. At this stage, the owner returned with a fresh set of bodywork requests after seeing work from the likes of David Brown Automotive. This led to a revised programme of alterations, including enlarged rear wheel arches, a smoothed rear valance, a deleted vinyl roof, and bespoke bumpers. The latter were created by cutting and slimming down the side sections and end caps from OEM Jaguar bumpers, then re-mounting them in such a way that they sit tighter, closely tucked to the bodywork. 

Bespoke Detail Work

Further complexity came with the custom front grille, part of a broader de-chroming process (while retaining the thin glass surrounds, naturally). We instead designed bespoke upper and lower grilles, with the upper section proving especially challenging.

It was scratch-built and took around a week to complete. The outer bezel was formed from solid steel bar, heated and carefully bent into shape before being TIG welded. The grille itself is inset in design, a marked contrast to the wraparound style favoured by Jaguar at the time.

The colour choice is also a nod to Jaguar’s most iconic creation—the E-Type. We selected Opalescent Gunmetal Grey for its ability to beautifully complement the interior leather.

Interior: Grace and Space Reimagined

The need to capture the “grace” and “space” aspects of the Jaguar DNA led to a completely revised interior, dominated by swathes of tobacco-coloured leather and dark wood-effect hydro-dipped aluminium. The latter forms the centre console, with custom switchgear replacing the BL “parts bin” components originally fitted by Jaguar, alongside an array of aero-style clocks and gauges.

The seats are largely our own design, intended to deliver the best of both worlds: deep, padded comfort for long-distance cruising, and firm bolster support for when the driver can’t resist opening up the taps.

We were mindful of preserving heritage throughout, which is why a number of factory elements remain in place, including the original XJC shifte, re-engineered to work with the car’s 4-speed GM automatic transmission. A similar approach was taken with the steering wheel: a Moto-Lita E-Type item, reworked with a thicker rim more in keeping with the mid ’70s XJC aesthetic.

And the starter button? That’s from a Supermarine Spitfire. Tally ho.

Power and Drivetrain

As for “pace,” several engine options were considered, including the original V12. However, the customer was clear that reliability was as important as performance. As a result, we opted for a GM LS3 crate engine.

It’s easy to see why these engines are so popular on both sides of the Atlantic: powerful, readily available, highly tunable, and exceptionally reliable. Ideal qualities for a car destined to spend as much time crossing Europe as attending UK shows.

The engine now produces a relaxed but healthy 430bhp, supported by an Omex ECU and wiring loom.

Fuel, Suspension, and Brakes

Jaguar’s original XJC fuel system featured twin tanks with separate in-cabin controls. We’ve retained both tanks but linked them, with one now located in the wheel well alongside a Holley lift pump. The main Bosch 044 pump handles delivery duties with ease, while the modified wheel well also houses a space-saver spare, all concealed beneath factory carpet.

Suspension up front remains largely Jaguar-based, upgraded with Eibach lowering springs, SuperPro bushes, and Bilstein dampers. Braking is significantly improved with Fossway Performance six-piston calipers and vented, grooved discs.

At the rear, we’ve gone a step further by fitting a mid ’90s Jaguar XJS rear subframe. This brings an LSD, wheel speed sensors, vented discs, and improved suspension geometry – transforming the handling capability of the car and underscoring its intended use as an effortless continent-crusher. 

Wheels and Final Details

One of the few elements to remain largely unchanged throughout the build is the wheel choice. From the outset, the owner suggested American Racing VN500s, and despite several discussions about alternatives, they simply couldn’t be bettered, especially in staggered 8x17in and 9x17in fitment.

As with many of our most popular projects, this XJC rewards those who take the time to really study it. Many of the subtler details—the grilles, bumpers, and even the refined operation of the electric windows—won’t be immediately obvious to those outside the classic Jaguar world. That makes it all the more satisfying when they are noticed and appreciated.

The Finished Result

The finished result is a project that stands among the most complete and cohesive in Retropower’s history. A true crowd-pleaser, and in our view, the ultimate tribute to one of the most charismatic cars ever to leave Browns Lane.