Jaguar World MonthlyThe article describes the whole 2 year story and includes comment from the owner, Chris Winn and KWE’s MD Chris Knowles.

For copyright reasons we cannot reproduce the whole article here, so please buy a back copy (October 2007) from http://www.jaguar-world.com/.

In July 06 KWE sourced and prepared a 1991 XJS V12 convertible for James May and Oz Clark to take part in a 6 part programme about French wine throughout August.

Rather like the film Sideways, the pair drove around the French wine-making districts in the XJS, sampling and describing the local produce. Two handmade wine racks were fitted in the boot.

At last you can now enjoy the timeless elegance of the Jaguar 40 hole “Pepperpot” alloy wheel brought up to date and available in 16 inch or 17 inch diameter, 7.5 inches in width.

There are big benefits to be had in fitting larger wheels with lower profile tyres to the XJS and Series XJ saloon. The original tyres are 70 profile which is very tall by today’s standards.

Our wheels allow fitment of a range of profiles from 60 to 45 while keeping the diameter the same within a few percent. These lower profile tyres add much needed lateral stability to the car without significantly reducing ride comfort.

We offer the same very high level of attention to detail and thoroughness that we apply to our rebuilt and upgraded cars. Since we routinely strip and rebuild these cars we now make this wealth of knowledge and experience available to owners, and we seek to keep as many of these superb vehicles on the road as possible!

KWE is commissioned to restore the body fully, renew the interior and rebuild the engine, along with KWE suspension, brakes and steering.

This was one of the pre-Jaguarsport TWR-modified XJS coupés. A standard 5.3 litre engine is fitted, but the suspension was uprated with a thicker anti roll bar and stronger road springs. 15″ Speedline alloys were more cosmetic than improving since the wheel arches do not allow significantly wider tyres. The interior is all cream with red piping, and the typical TWR white steering wheel.

The current engine will be retained even though it has had a major overheating event and the cylinders have been full of water for some years.

It’s quite a project, and one I have been party to. Unfortunately, though, I am unable to tell you the winner because the issue will not come out until several days after this newspaper is printed, and I’ve been expressly forbidden to tell anyone. All I can reveal at this stage is that they’ve got it wrong.

We fully expect to be seen on the podium at every race!

Apart from our standard suspension renewal and handling upgrade, V12 intensive service and interior renewal, the car has had a unique high performance multipoint emulating LPG conversion affording higher power than on petrol and with two tanks to provide over 350 miles range.

Additional items include front and rear parking sensors, integrated satellite navigation, 7 speaker DVD/CD changer audio system, iPod connection, modified mid console to include analogue clock, deleting trip computer and reduced switch count.

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Update on the DEM project, with expected improvements of at least 50 bhp. Series 3 XJ12 and XJ40 visit KWE. XJS vs Brands Hatch barriers. Adopt a Jaguar.

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• DEM System update
• Rare Estates visit KWE
• Brand new XJS
• WWF appeal
• Dear Chris
• Latest Gallery

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As usual, every visitor said they thought the Series 3 XJ was the best saloon Jaguar ever made – for looks inside and out.

Our Top Gear-featured XJS got a lot of attention and again there was general agreement that the model is destined to be a classic – possibly even outshining the E type! KWE, of course, sets out to make these excellent cars reliable and practical for renewed everyday use.