Jaguar XJS Restomod: TWR Supercat

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Post on Nov 21, 2024

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Jaguar XJS Restomod: Unleashing the TWR Supercat Beast

Hey everyone! So, you're into classic cars, right? Specifically, the Jaguar XJS? And maybe you've heard whispers about the legendary TWR Supercat? Let me tell you, it's a whole different ball game. I mean, I thought I knew classic Jags – I even owned a perfectly decent '88 XJ6 for a while – but the Supercat? That was a revelation. Let's dive into this restomod beauty.

My Supercat Journey: From Dream to Reality (Almost!)

Okay, so I'll be honest. I never actually owned a TWR Supercat. That's a dream for another lifetime. But I spent months researching them, pouring over forums, drooling over photos. Man, the frustration! I was so close to pulling the trigger on one, a real beauty in British Racing Green, but then...life happened. The price was way higher than I'd budgeted, and well, let's just say my wife had some opinions on the matter. 😜 But the research? That was invaluable. And it's what I want to share with you.

What Makes a TWR Supercat So Special?

The Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) Supercat isn't just a regular XJS with a fancy paint job. Oh no. These are serious machines. Think of it as a restomod project taken to the extreme, a factory-backed performance upgrade that transforms the already sleek XJS into a proper muscle car. We're talking serious horsepower boosts thanks to tuned engines, upgraded suspensions, and those killer aerodynamic body kits. They didn't just modify the XJS; they completely reimagined it.

Keywords: Jaguar XJS, TWR Supercat, Restomod, Tom Walkinshaw Racing, Classic Cars, Muscle Cars, British Racing Green, Performance Upgrades

These weren't your grandma's Sunday drive Jags, you know? These things are seriously fast. Seriously, seriously fast. I mean, the acceleration is insane, the handling is sublime. They are a true testament to the engineering prowess of TWR.

The Heart of the Beast: Engine and Performance

The core of the Supercat's appeal is under the hood. TWR significantly upgraded the standard XJS engine. Think larger displacement, upgraded fuel injection, and enhanced performance components. We're not talking a few extra ponies here—we're talking a substantial increase in power and torque, easily outpacing the original XJS. The exact specs varied depending on the year and specific modifications, but you're looking at a significant horsepower jump. I remember one forum post mentioning a 300hp+ engine – pure brute force for a car of that era.

Beyond the Engine: Handling and Aesthetics

It wasn't just about raw power. TWR also focused on improving the XJS's handling. Upgraded suspension components, along with those iconic aerodynamic body kits, gave the Supercat incredible road holding abilities. Remember, the original XJS wasn't exactly known for its razor-sharp handling, so this was a massive improvement.

Visually? Stunning. Those wide body kits, the aggressive front spoiler, and the rear wing – it all combined to create a car that looked as menacing as it performed. It's a total head-turner. I mean, even I drooled over the pictures, and I'm not typically a classic car fanatic.

Finding Your Own Supercat (Or, How to NOT Overspend)

Okay, so you’re bitten by the Supercat bug. Where do you start? Well, finding a genuine TWR Supercat is going to be tough and expensive, you have been warned. They're rare. Very rare. But there are options. You could find a regular XJS and embark on a restomod project yourself, carefully sourcing parts and replicating the Supercat’s modifications. This route will require significant time, skill, and money, but it might be a satisfying project for someone who likes to tinker.

Another option might be to settle for a well-maintained XJS that has some performance upgrades. At the very least, you can have a fun classic car that's a step up from a stock XJS.

Remember: Do your research! Don't rush into a purchase! The used car market is a jungle. And it's easy to get caught up in the hype. Learn as much as you can. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to make the right decision. And hey, if you find that perfect Supercat, let me know! I might need to rethink my priorities... 😉