Restmod of a classic 1950s Jaguar XK120 (7 photos)

British company Thornley Kelham has unveiled the first production model of a restomod based on the classic Jaguar XK120, announced back in 2022. The coupe differs from the original in its reassembled suspension, modern vintage-style interior and redesigned engine, and the company brought in designer Paul House, who previously worked on the McLaren P1, to design the new body. The starting price for the restomod is 550,000 pounds.





The body for the restomod with its own name European GT is made of lightweight alloys. As a result, the coupe gets slightly modified proportions - it looks wider and lower than the original. According to the developers, this gives the XK 120 a more muscular look. All new body parts are made by hand.

The sports car chassis is formed by double wishbones, Intrax shock absorbers and Eibach springs in combination with a "short" Quaife steering rack. The engine remains an inline "six" of the canonical volume of 3.8 liters, but in fact it becomes completely new due to the modernized block, weighing 30% less, and a number of other alternative components. Thornley Kelham will offer two engine options for 300 and 340 horsepower, while the output of the standard engine of the model did not exceed 220 horsepower. The rethought engine works with a five-speed manual transmission, also new.

The interior is finished with expensive leather and equipped with new seats, as well as a whole set of modern equipment, including electric windows, air conditioning and a media system. Multi-point seat belts are optional.

Thornley Kelham specialists are ready to rebuild the customer's car or find a potential donor themselves. At least 2,000 hours of work are allocated to the creation of each restomod, without taking into account individual wishes for finishing. Only 25 such cars will be assembled.