A 1970s Jaguar screams affluence, but cars like the one I’m about to show you can now be picked up for a song. That fact grants endless possibilities for customization, even on a modest budget.
It’s not unheard of to find a ’70s or ’80s XJ for under a grand here in the US, but of course, any car that cheap will be in need of work. With some patience though, these older Jags can be a great platform for a unique build. Jacob Kravitz’ series one 1972 XJ6, AKA ‘Old English‘ is proof of that.
Jacob’s Jaguar, a project he is completing with his dad, is very much a work in progress. But the goal has always been the same: to continually evolve the XJ6 until it’s the cleanest home garage-built car it can be.
That will take however long it takes, because there are no plans to ever sell it. There are already numerous neat details though, arguably the biggest of which is what’s now living under the XJ6’s long hood.
These cars came with XK straight-six engines from factory, but this Jag now beats to the sound of an American drum – a small block Chevy-shaped one.
Jacob and his dad pulled this particular 350ci V8 from an ’85 Chevy truck, and it’s not only breathed new performance into the old Jag, but improved its reliability too. Then there’s the heartbeat – have a listen here.
Outside, the body remains original – right down to most of the 50-year-old paint – but it looks a whole lot tougher thanks to a suspension drop and a set of Pontiac Trans Am mesh wheels. Spacers are used to get the latter sitting just right.
Halo headlights are a polarizing modification, and I’m usually not a big fan. But something about the juxtaposition of vintage and modern together got me with this one.
Inside, a pair of custom-trimmed BMW E30 seats have been adapted to fit, and Jacob has also now built a custom dashboard with modern gauges.
‘Old English’ is truly a generational build featuring cues from both of its crafter’s eras. It’s also mixing old and new, and stately British and American muscle car aspects. That’s pretty cool.
Sara Ryan
Instagram: pockowokosara
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
Transmission?
I would assume the stock automatic. Chevy small block engine swaps were popular in these because they already had a TH350 transmission. In the United States it was often cheaper to change the engine than to keep up with maintenance on the stock piece.
they did not come with a t350 trans it had borgwarner trans. the v12 had a chevy t400 but the belhouseing was different and could not be used with chevy engine. I know i have a 1986 that i did the same swap.
I like!!!
Man that Jaaaaaaaaaaaag looks so sick
It's a baddie
I have a 72 and would really like to the same
Those angel eye ebay headlights need to go asap! Brings a level of teenage tackiness to the whole build that is otherwise very clean.
there is absolutely nothing wrong with them, not my choice but you people will see a car with 30 degrees of camber and give it a pass but get mad at this guy for headlights
The halos are terrible, amazing that one could build such a beautiful car and slap those on.
Agreed. Loose the halos, and be shopping for a modern Jag motor for the next swap. Love the houndstooth!!
This is just rad.
whole car goes hard
Yuck! Sacrilege!!avoid the pearly gates ,,,,,,
Shut up
The wheels suck and there was absolutely nothing wrong with the old bulletproof 6 in line engine. I would have saved a lot of time and money by simply upgrading the electrics and renewed the suspension - the car would then be truly bad-arse.
U 2
Daaaaaamnnnnn mannnn this looks soooo good
Love this built and the looks. Do you have more informations about it, or do you plan further feature? Details of the Suspension and pics of the interieur would be nice.
Thx for sharing. Love all of the pics and writing, Sara.
The car is rad, but the photos even better - but why no EXIF?
Sara, could you please share, what lens did you use?
I liked it until I saw the engine a Jag isn't a true Jag without its heart...
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