2011-05-11 11:12:43 | pauls writes:

Car was at auction 4/11
www.barons-auctions.com/details.php

Auction description:
Lot No: 133
Manufacturer Jaguar Cars
Model MKIX 6.0 Saloon
First Registered 1959
Registration No 567UXY
Engine No
Chassis No 790878
MOT May 2011
Colour Black/Red
You have probably never heard of Bertil Backstrom, the Swedish gentleman who modifies MKII Jaguars but neither had I until I came upon an article in Jaguar Enthusiast in 2007. This article was a road test and appraisal of a MKIX Jaguar - but the MKIX in question was like no other and its story began back in 1997.

Having considered commissioning a Bertil Backstrom MKII, the vendor of this MKIX quickly discounted the idea because the model lacked the interior space he needed, so his attention was drawn to the MKIX. Despite reservations about tackling similar modifications on the MKIX, a deal was struck and the search for a suitable car was started, but the real work would start once the car has been found.

A 1959 MKIX was found in Sweden and the car was stripped before the body from the chassis and both were fully restored. The running gear was adapted from XJ40 and every aspect of the ride, handling and braking were brought up to modern standards. The car received a custom wiring loom to accommodate the modern electronics, which includes Sat Nav, CD stacker, DVD player, power seats, power windows, central locking, air conditioning alarm and immobiliser. The clocks were built into a special veneered panel, screened behind Perspex and sit in the centre of the matching dash above a row of toggle switches.

All of the above was challenging enough but the vendor's specification demanded that power came from a Jaguar V12 engine. The V12 chosen was a 6.0 XJRS unit complete with the GM400 auto transmission, and this required a major rework of the engine bay and, despite using a modified XJ40 front and rear suspension, a special front subframe was required to accommodate the engine. The engine, transmission and specially built stainless exhaust manifolds were fitted to the chassis before the body was refitted.

One could go on and on, but suffice it to say that the finished article is a fabulous piece of engineering. By the time all the gremlins had been ironed out, the project had taken almost 10 years and absorbed over £85,000 (that is thought to be a conservative estimate). The car behaves like a modern, luxury sports saloon, sounds amazing and cossets its occupants in period luxury but still retains the classic lines of the MKIX Jaguar.

The word unique is often used to describe motor cars that are quite rare but this MIX truly is unique and could not be replicated for double the reserve.

Estimate £50,000-60,000

2011-11-06 20:48:17 | pauls writes:

Car returned to auction 9/11
www.barons-auctions.com/details.php

Sold £26000 + Premium