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Classic Jaguar, do you modify or keep stock?

Resto Mods are at an all-time high with most cars, especially US muscle cars and hot rods, but can anyone with good conscience modify or alter a Jaguar (new or classic)?
Classic Jaguar

It’s a question that everyone will face at one point or another; do I consider modifying or upgrading my car? You are eventually going to have old OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or factory parts break or wear out, then you have to decide if you will replace those worn out parts with upgraded stuff. Almost every car manufacturer is now making upgraded parts that will allow your car to perform and drive better. Resto-mod is a term used to describe a cross between restoration and modifying, most of the time the car looks close to stock but has lots of performance upgrades underneath.

I know that there are a group of purists who would never even remotely consider upgrading or changing anything from the originality of a Jaguar and its iconic tradition. If the car is rare or limited edition, then the debate is closed for any type of mods or upgrades, but what if it’s just a run of the mill classic Jaguar?

The possibility to take your Jaguar to the next level with a whole host of modifications and performance upgrades has to be tempting. The build can range from mild to wild and you can choose from appearance, handling, and performance. But if you decide to go for it chances are you will want to go all in and do some of each of the list of goodies.

If money is no object and you don’t care about the originality of your Jaguar, then let the mods begin! But as with most car projects, choose a good shop with a well established reputation and also try to see some recent projects they have completed. Restoration of your prized Jaguar can be a scary undertaking but well worth the effort if the shop you select shares your vision.

One other trend worth mentioning is the enthusiasts that are willing to take their new Jaguar to a shop and begin performance upgrades immediately. Those performance upgrades may include supercharger pulley changes, dyno tunes, and intake/exhaust upgrades. Some of these quick mods can gain the driver as much as 30-100 horsepower and almost as much torque - you just have to ask yourself how far you want to take it. If you want to take it to the stratosphere, see the Hennessey article below and find out how to achieve over 600 Horsepower from your F-Type R Coupe!

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Comments

mb (not verified)    December 4, 2014 - 3:24AM

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It would be nice to keep the old cars stock. it gives a feel of what the car was like back in the days, the sound, looks and nostalgia but if someone owns one and wants to modify it then its their will. personally, if i had an e-type i would like to put some webber carbs on that straight 6 and slap in some red leather seats. if I had a modern day s-type then I'd have a set of 18" wire wheels like on the e-type. its retro old school looks begs to be seen in those.

Joseph (not verified)    December 5, 2014 - 9:22AM

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Yes I have to agree with you on the sound/feel/nostalgia comments, I can appreciate that, but unless you have funds to do a 100% restore it, then what's wrong with a few mild upgrades right! Thanks for the comments!

Bob James (not verified)    December 6, 2014 - 9:27PM

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Hi All,

I have a very special MK11 Jaguar that i have owned since 1971 and after a roll over and rebuild in in 1973 I decided that a complete upgrade was the only way to go and so I started the work myself and the results are outstanding and everywhere the car goes it gets the most incredible response, as it is not only very pretty to look at, but has many of the eye catching details that have been introduced in mainstream design like front fender side vents and tail wings and the bonnet louvres are different than most bespoke makers, because we used our Trumpf machine and made a flat panel with 22 louvres that taper along the outside edge the same as the bonnet and then welded this panel into the existing bonnet. The car has large NACA scoops for the inter-cooler above the engine, which is an uprated 4.2 from a 420G with blow through triple 2" S.U. carbs. The brakes are V12 rotors and GM calipers and wheels are 9" x 16" BBS E50 3 Piece racing wheels with magnesium centres for weight saving. The body work is all metal and the underfloor was reinforced with new rails underneath the originals and new floor with 1" corrugations under the original and joined to the original sill panels and this car is now far more rigid than any other MK11 , which a makes handling superb. Steering is the ADWEST P/S from the S Type and has 2.5 turns lock to lock and turn in is just like any high performance late model.
This car has been mine since I was 19 and now I am turning 63 and no sign of getting tired of owning it.