1974 JAGUAR XJ6
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The Maluti Antique Auto and Machine Club
Bethlehem, South Africa
www.maamc.co.za info@maamc.co.za
_____________________________
The Maluti Antique Auto and Machine Club
Bethlehem, South Africa
www.maamc.co.za info@maamc.co.za
_____________________________
1974 Jaguar XJ6
As a 21 year old V8 fanatic, my passion for petrol started way back at birth. Besides my daily driver, I bought a 1979 Cortina 3.0S from a family member. It is still in excellent original condition with factory fitted V6 motor. This car inspired me to take up my next project; a 1974 Jaguar XJ6.
A friend told me about the car that was for sale and I immediately went to take a look. It was in a drivable but dilapidated condition. Luckily for me the 327 Chevrolet V8 engine was already fitted. The sound of the eight cylinder made up my mind; it was love at first sound! I bought the car and towed it home a few days later.
And so the fun started. Within 18 months I had completely stripped, restored and pimped my “Chaguar” to a car that I like to drive and enjoy. The body panels were taken apart, panel beaten (in the old conventional way), re-sprayed in Frozen White colour. The interior was redone with black and white vinyl to replace the old red tatters. Matching black carpets were laid and repairs to all electric windows and central locking completed the interior. The original Walnut dash was restored to its former glory and assembled with all original dials and thin wood rim Momo steering wheel.
As the XJ6 has one of the most desirable and effective suspensions I decided to overhaul it. A set of 19 inch BBS rims with 235/35/19 tyres was fitted to the front and 265/30/19 at the rear. This seems to be enough rubber to convert the 327’s power from the engine to the tar. The engine was overhauled, repainted and dressed up with chrome covers and air cleaner. It was fitted with a HEI distributor to ensure better performance from the power source. It runs a 4 barrel Holley carb.
Custom made branches let the air flow into two 57mm exhaust pipes that runs to the back. As I like to individualise my rides, I combined some of the original chrome trim with a bit of personal flair. The front grill was removed and replaced with a clean shaven mesh look. It looks much more aggressive than the old English appearance. To add to the aggressiveness two 500 watt Limpids and a 12 inch, 1000 watt subwoofer, powered by a 3000 watt Targa amp that was fitted. This keeps the driver entertained when the engine is not growling.
This is certainly not my last project as I am already on the lookout for the next. I’m really hoping to see more youngsters getting involved in this hobby and hopefully they will also enjoy it as much as I do. Thanks to everyone that taught me the skills and who helped to make my dream come true!
Kornel Smith
Bethlehem
April 2013
As a 21 year old V8 fanatic, my passion for petrol started way back at birth. Besides my daily driver, I bought a 1979 Cortina 3.0S from a family member. It is still in excellent original condition with factory fitted V6 motor. This car inspired me to take up my next project; a 1974 Jaguar XJ6.
A friend told me about the car that was for sale and I immediately went to take a look. It was in a drivable but dilapidated condition. Luckily for me the 327 Chevrolet V8 engine was already fitted. The sound of the eight cylinder made up my mind; it was love at first sound! I bought the car and towed it home a few days later.
And so the fun started. Within 18 months I had completely stripped, restored and pimped my “Chaguar” to a car that I like to drive and enjoy. The body panels were taken apart, panel beaten (in the old conventional way), re-sprayed in Frozen White colour. The interior was redone with black and white vinyl to replace the old red tatters. Matching black carpets were laid and repairs to all electric windows and central locking completed the interior. The original Walnut dash was restored to its former glory and assembled with all original dials and thin wood rim Momo steering wheel.
As the XJ6 has one of the most desirable and effective suspensions I decided to overhaul it. A set of 19 inch BBS rims with 235/35/19 tyres was fitted to the front and 265/30/19 at the rear. This seems to be enough rubber to convert the 327’s power from the engine to the tar. The engine was overhauled, repainted and dressed up with chrome covers and air cleaner. It was fitted with a HEI distributor to ensure better performance from the power source. It runs a 4 barrel Holley carb.
Custom made branches let the air flow into two 57mm exhaust pipes that runs to the back. As I like to individualise my rides, I combined some of the original chrome trim with a bit of personal flair. The front grill was removed and replaced with a clean shaven mesh look. It looks much more aggressive than the old English appearance. To add to the aggressiveness two 500 watt Limpids and a 12 inch, 1000 watt subwoofer, powered by a 3000 watt Targa amp that was fitted. This keeps the driver entertained when the engine is not growling.
This is certainly not my last project as I am already on the lookout for the next. I’m really hoping to see more youngsters getting involved in this hobby and hopefully they will also enjoy it as much as I do. Thanks to everyone that taught me the skills and who helped to make my dream come true!
Kornel Smith
Bethlehem
April 2013
